Why has the Canterbury DHB chosen to extend it to those aged under 18 years?

Evidence suggests those aged over 65 years and aged under 18 years are most susceptible to influenza. The vaccine is already free to pregnant women and anyone aged over 65 years, or with a chronic health. By extending it to those aged under 18 years, it will protect Canterbury people even more thoroughly. The amount of flu in the community will be halved if 20 percent of those aged under 18 year olds are vaccinated this season.

What happens if I've already paid to have my under 18 year old vaccinated?

The free vaccination programme runs from April 4 to July 31.

Who is paying for the extra vaccinations for those aged under 18 years?

The Canterbury District Health Board is covering the cost of administering vaccinations and the Ministry of Health is paying for the vaccine.

Why should I get the flu vaccine if it's not free for me too?

Many Canterbury businesses offer the vaccine free to their employees and it is also free to all health care workers. Cantabrians are encouraged to take up the opportunity to get the vaccine whatever way it is offered as it's so important we all try and stay healthy this winter, particularly given that living conditions for many of us have changed, increasing the impact of flu and the chances of developing complications from it. Having the flu vaccine is a smart step towards being responsible for your own health as well as the health of your family.

If my family has relocated outside Canterbury, will they receive a vaccination?

This programme is only available to those people living in Canterbury.

How is the flu vaccination linked to earthquake recovery?

The change in living conditions for many Cantabrians has made them more vulnerable to catching the flu this year. The earthquakes have resulted in increased pressure on Christchurch Hospital and reduced the number of beds available.  Free flu vaccinations are one of the main tools that the Canterbury District Health Board is using to support families in the recovery process and to reduce pressure on Christchurch Hospital.

 

Apart from the vaccination, how else can I protect myself and my family against the flu?

Wash your hands for 20 seconds with warm water and soap (or alcohol-based rub) and dry your hands well:

• After coughing and blowing your nose
• After using the toilet
• Before you prepare food and eat
• When you are looking after sick people

Put sick people into a separate room and keep them away from those who are well.

Try not to touch your mouth, nose, ears and eyes - bugs can spread this way.

Clean telephones, door handles or other surfaces with disinfectant as the flu virus can live up to 48 hours on surfaces.

Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue and put tissues straight into a bin.

The best thing to do to avoid influenza in public places is to try and stay at least one metre away from others and use sterigel or hand sanitiser if it is provided.

What is someone in my family gets the flu?

Stay at home if you are sick.

If you have concerns about your flu symptoms contact your General Practice team or if it is an emergency call 111.

Be prepared

If you need to look after your family at home you will need:

• Enough food and drink to last for a week.
• People with the flu need to have plenty of fluids, such as water or diluted fruit juice.
• Paracetamol (eg Panadol) to manage fever and pain which is available from pharmacies or supermarkets.
• Tissues (or toilet paper) and plastic bags for used tissues.

 Download this useful guide about how to manage at home with the flu ( PDF )

I heard flu vaccination was going to be free for everyone in Canterbury?

The Canterbury District Health Board carefully considered this option but the Ministry of Health and the District Health Board has agreed it is most appropriate to concentrate on providing the vaccine to those most vulnerable. We still encourage everyone to get a vaccine.

More information
More information about influenza can be found at:
http://www.influenza.org.nz
http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/mexican-swine-influenza-update-270409