Rugby: Chiefs get needle before Reds game

The Chiefs are coming off a bye week and face the Queensland Reds tomorrow afternoon at Waikato Stadium in the next round of the Super 15 rugby competition.

During their down time, the players and some of their partners and children, were vaccinated against the possibly serious influenza strain.

The majority of the group were also immunised for pertussis (whooping cough), of which there is a national epidemic.

Last month, Waikato DHB had the second highest notification rate of pertussis in New Zealand.

The defending Super rugby champions have formed a partnership with Waikids to help deliver key health messages to the region.

Chiefs co-captain Liam Messam reiterated the team was getting immunised so they "don't get wiped out".

"We are at a crucial time and it's important we are at our best," says Liam, whose child and partner were also immunised.