The 2024 Influenza Immunisation Programme starts on 2 April 2024 and runs until 31 December 2024 for all groups. To book your influenza vaccination phone reception on 03 322 8121 (we do have some clinics in April that you can book in for).
2024 eligibility for funded influenza vaccinations are available for those who meet Pharmac’s eligibility criteria:
• pregnant people
• people aged 65 years and over
• people 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 illness
• people aged 6 months to under 65 years with serious mental health and addiction conditions
After 10 years of dedicated service to our patients and team, Dr Caroline Mackenzie has advised that she will be retiring from General Practice on 29 October 2026.
Good news for parents and caregivers! From 1 September 2026, influenza vaccination is now funded for all children aged 6 months to under 5 years. Previously, funding was limited to children who met certain eligibility criteria. This has now been expanded in response to high rates of influenza illness and hospitalisations among young children.If your child is aged 6 months to under 5 years, they are now eligible for a funded flu vaccine. How many doses will my child need?If your child is 6 months to under 4 years and this is their first year receiving a flu vaccination, they will require 2 doses, at least 4 weeks apart. If your child has previously received a flu vaccination, they will generally require just 1 dose this year. It’s not too late to get vaccinated. The New Zealand flu season started later than usual and may continue for longer this year. The current flu vaccine is a good match for the influenza viruses currently circulating. Please contact Halswellhealth reception 03 322 8121 to book your child’s vaccination or you can book via your patient portal.
We are very sad to advise that our friend and colleague Anna Swain passed away this week, surrounded by her family, following a courageous battle with motor neurone disease.
