Pertussis / Whooping cough Pertussis continues to circulate in NZ and there have been several recent cases in our local area.You can read about this illness here:-https://healthify.nz/health-a-z/w/whooping-cough If you have been advised by your whānau's preschool / school that your child might have been exposed to Pertussis, please follow the advice from Public Health contained in the letter you received from your kura.If you have been advised to see your GP team, or someone in your whānau is unwell and you think it might be Pertussis, please call and speak with a nurse. If you need to be seen for an appointment, we will ask you to wear a mask and wait in a safe place to protect others. The GP will assess you/your child and, following Public Health guidelines, determine whether a swab or treatment is appropriate.Read More
Getting the flu vaccine is a great time to also check for and receive any recommended COVID-19 vaccines. Like influenza, COVID-19 is highly contagious and can lead to severe respiratory illness and complications in older people and those with underlying medical conditions. It remains a leading cause of infection related hospitalisations and deaths in Aotearoa New Zealand, particularly for older adults. Once or twice-yearly additional doses of COVID-19 vaccine are encouraged if older or at higher risk of getting sick from COVID-19. These are important because vaccine protection decreases over time, and the vaccine is updated regularly to match changes in the circulating COVID-19 virus. In 2026, the vaccine has been updated to target the LP.8.1 variant. Read More
The flu vaccine is available from 1st of April 2026.To book your influenza vaccination phone reception on 03 322 8121 or book via your portal (MyIndici) select book with nurse and then select Flu Vaccine Clinic. Cost: $30 per vaccine An annual flu vaccine is recommended for everyone over 6 months.It is FREE for :People aged 65+Pregnant peoplepeople aged 6 months to under 65 years with eligible conditions*children 4 years of age and under who have been hospitalised for respiratory illness or have a history of significant respiratory illnesspeople aged 6 months to under 65 years with serious mental health and addiction conditions* We have opened additional clinics, which can be booked online or by contacting reception. We will also be introducing walk-in clinic times soon, and further details will be shared once available. *For eligibility criteria please see https://immune.org.nz/factsheets/influenza-2026-pharmac-eligibility-criteria This is the vaccine we supply. We do not supply other brands. Read More
From 1 July 2026, Halswellhealth will no longer be providing B4 School Checks. These checks will instead be completed by the Public Health Team. Your child’s B4 School Check will be organised directly by the Public Health Team, who will contact you to arrange an appointment. If you have not heard from them by the time your child is 4 years and 6 months old, please contact the Canterbury B4SC Coordination Team:Email: [email protected]: 03 353 9920 For some children (born before 1 July 2022), a mobile team will be in touch once your child has been allocated to a provider. Appointments are arranged based on age and need. What happens at the B4 School Check? You and your child will attend an appointment at a Public Health-run site, lasting around 45 minutes. The nurse will explain what the check involves and ask for your consent before starting. This is a good opportunity to talk about your child’s development and raise any questions or concerns you may have. Before your appointment Before attending, you may find it helpful to look through the B4 School Check pages in your child’s “My Health Book”. This can help you prepare any questions or topics you would like to discuss.Read More
From 1st February 2026, vocationally trained GPs with additional training and capacity will be able to diagnose and treat ADHD for adults aged 18 and above. Read More
You may be aware that Dr Lucinda Bell is about to take some time away from Halswellhealth as she welcomes a baby into her family. Lucinda's last day will be 9 January 2026 and she anticipates returning in November 2026Read More
Halswellhealth is open over the Christmas and New Year period and our Longhurst & Prebbleton sites are only closed on the statutory holidays. Our Ensign Street site will be closed 24th December 2025 and re-opening Monday 5th January 2026. Our acute GP and triage service will be available throughout this time. If you require medical care while we are closed, please call Healthline 0800 611 116 or the 24-Hour Surgery is available at 401 Madras Street. For urgent needs when the 24 Hour Surgery is closed the Emergency Department at Christchurch Hospital is available. Our holiday hours are as follows: Monday 22nd December- all sites open 8- 5:30pm Tuesday 23rd December- all sites open 8- 5:30pm Wednesday 24th December- 8- 5:00pm (Longhurst/Prebbleton sites open) Thursday 25th December- CLOSED Friday 26th December 8- CLOSED Monday 29th December- 8- 5:30pm (Longhurst/Prebbleton sites open) Tuesday 30th December- 8- 5:00pm (Longhurst/Prebbleton sites open) Wednesday 31st December - 8- 5:00pm (Longhurst/Prebbleton sites open)Thursday 1st January- CLOSED Friday 2nd January- CLOSED Monday 5th January- all sites open 8- 5:30pm The team and Halswellhealth wish you and your whanau all the very best for the festive season.Read More
The number of measles cases in Aotearoa New Zealand is on the rise. Measles is a very infectious disease and can spread easily among people who are not immune. Measles vaccination is free for those born after 1969.Read More
