Flu season is on its way and we highly recommend that you get the flu vaccine!
Check out our FAQs page for information on why we recommend a yearly flu vaccine for everyone aged 6 months and older.
Three different flu vaccines are on offer at TTMC this year. See below for:
1. Vaccine: Influvac Tetra | Age: ≥ 6 mnths
Cost:
FREE if you meet eligibility criteria (see below)
$57.00 if you don't meet eligibility criteria
Difference:
Standard flu vaccine
Egg-based manufacturing process
Protects against x4 WHO-identified strains of influenza virus
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2. Vaccine: Flucelvax | Age: 6 mnths - 64 yrs
Cost:
$62.00
Not funded for anybody
Difference:
Protects against x3 WHO-identified strains of influenza virus*
Cell-based technology makes it an exact match to the influenza strains it protects against
Manufacturing process is more environmentally friendly compared to standard flu vaccine
Up to 19.8% more effective than standard flu vaccine at preventing influenza
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3. Vaccine: Fluad | Age: 50+ yrs
Cost:
$66.00
Not funded for anybody
Difference:
Protects against x3 WHO-identified strains of influenza virus*
Contains MF59® Adjuvant, which improves effectiveness by helping your body create more antibodies to fight the influenza virus
Provides stronger and longer protection compared to standard flu vaccine
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*The World Health Organisation (WHO) has given advice that a fourth strain (called the Yamagata strain) is no longer warranted as it hasn’t been detected for several years; Influvac Tetra still provides protection against the Yamagata strain, whereas Flucelvax and Fluad don’t. Te Whatu Ora Health NZ and the Immunisation Advisory Centre advise that the absence or presence of the fourth strain does not impact on vaccine safety or effectiveness.
Eligibility criteria for funded flu vaccine
The funded flu vaccine is Influvac Tetra, i.e. the standard flu vaccine - if you meet the eligibility criteria then you can receive this for free. If you're wanting to get Flucelvax or Fluad instead then you will need to pay for it, even if you meet the eligibility criteria for free Influvac Tetra.
See the attachment for a more thorough run-down of the eligibility criteria, but in summary you can receive free Influvac Tetra if you:
are aged 65+ years, or
are pregnant, or
have a particular medical condition that meets criteria (see attachment), or
have a particular serious mental health condition that meets criteria (see attachment), or
are currently accessing secondary or tertiary mental health and addiction services.
Additionally, tamariki (children) ≤ 4 years old who have been hospitalised for a respiratory illness OR who have a history of significant respiratory illness are eligible, as are tamariki who are on long-term aspirin.
Not sure if you or your tamaiti (child) meets the eligibility criteria or not? One of our staff will be happy to check for you, just leave a message on our nurse line or speak with your practitioner when you're here for an appointment.
How to get your flu vaccine
If you are having an in-person appointment with a GP, NP, or practice nurse then your clinician may be able to give you your flu vaccine at the same time (depending on available time/who you're seeing).
Otherwise, you will need to speak with reception to book a practice nurse appointment for your flu vaccine. Please call reception and let them know:
Whether you're wanting to book in only for your flu vaccine or whether you would like to get other vaccinations at the same time (e.g. tetanus/diphtheria/whooping cough, shingles, RSV*, etc.); and
Whether you're booking just for yourself or for other members of your whānau as well.
You will need to wait at least 5 minutes after your flu vaccine appointment to ensure you don't experience any adverse effects; your clinician will let you know if you should wait longer.
*Please note we don't keep RSV vaccines in stock due to their cost. Please advise us ahead of time if you're wanting this vaccine so we can order it in for you.
