Keep well this winter - get a flu shot now
Kaumātua – Get your flu shot
Every year Charlie Tawhiao (Ngāi Te Rangi)
makes a point of getting his flu vaccination.
“People my age are often reluctant to have
injections. As kids they were big needles so
we grew up with this phobia, but it’s really
not that bad.”
As Charlie, is in the 65+ category, the annual
vaccination is free.
Research shows that you can infect others
with the flu virus even when you’re not
showing symptoms yourself. So, by being
immunised, you can help avoid passing the
virus on to others close to you.
“Maori men have a tendency to think they
are bullet proof and we think we are still
young,” says Charlie Tawhiao.
Charlie says taking all health precautions
is really important especially when you get
older. It’s part of looking after yourself and
your whānau.
From left, EBPHA staff: Shane Stephens, Monique Keys, Liz McAdam and Michelle Murray (CE).
The Eastern Bay Primary Health Alliance
(EBPHA) team is set for winter. Recently
staff had their influenza (flu) shots.
Influenza is a serious illness that can put
anyone in hospital. Influenza vaccination
is safe, effective and cannot give you ‘the
flu’. Getting an influenza vaccination
before winter offers you and others the best
protection possible.
“We know that 1 in 4 New Zealanders are
infected with influenza or ‘flu’ each year.
Many won’t feel sick at all but can pass it
on and make other people very sick,” says
EBPHA Immunisation Coordinator Liz
McAdam.
EBPHA Stop Smoking Practitioner,
Monique Keys opted to get her flu shot at
work. “We know the facts around influenza
and that’s why we are choosing to get
vaccinated. We want to protect ourselves,
our whānau and our clients.”
Influenza vaccination
is FREE until the end
of December
for people who are most at risk as follows:
• Anyone aged 65 years or over
• Pregnant women (any stage of pregnancy)
• People under 65 years of age (including children) with long-
term health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes,
respiratory disease (including asthma that requires regular
preventive therapy), kidney disease and most cancers
• Children aged four and under who have been hospitalised
for respiratory illness or have a history of significant
respiratory illness.
Even if you don’t qualify for free vaccination, you may still be able
to get one free from your employer. Flu shots are also available
for anyone for a fee from a doctor, nurse or some pharmacies.
The influenza vaccine is a prescription medicine. Talk to your
doctor or nurse about the benefits and possible risks.
Check out www.fightflu.co.nz to find out whether you
qualify for free flu vaccination or call:
0800 IMMUNE 0800 466 863
Charlie Tawhiao getting his annual flu shot.