How to protect your whānau from illness this winter

We wouldn’t be surprised if you’ve missed some of your routine immunisations. Especially on the back of the various Covid Vaccines and boosters. However, winter is just around the corner. Consequently, serious illnesses such as Influenza (Flu), Meningitis, Measles and Whooping Cough are lurking around. Fortunately, many of you are eligible for free immunisations. Read below as Dr Daniel Calder explains why you need to be immunised and who is eligible for free immunisations. 

Flu Vaccines

The flu predominantly affects people in the winter. As a virus, it is constantly changing. Therefore, a new influenza vaccine, or ‘flu jab’, is developed every year. For this reason, we recommend that you get a flu jab every year to keep up with the ever-changing virus. Like the Covid vaccine, influenza immunisations help reduce the risk of getting seriously sick if you’re exposed to the Flu. Common flu symptoms include;  

• Fever
• Chills
• Shortness of breath
• Upset stomach 
• Muscle aches

Similar to other diseases, some people are more at risk of getting seriously ill than others. Thankfully, we offer free immunisations for those that meet the funding criteria:

• All people 65 years of age and over.
• Māori and Pacific people aged 55 to 64 years.
• People under 65 years of age who have certain conditions/diseases.
• People who are in any trimester of pregnancy.
• Children 6 months to 12 years of age.

Meningitis Vaccines

Meningococcal disease is a severe and potentially fatal infection. It traditionally affects the spinal cord and brain lining. Consequently, it can have long-term effects, such as brain damage and hearing loss. Common symptoms include:

• Stiff neck
• Headache
• Fever
• Vomiting 
• Light sensitivity
• Joint pain and even convulsive fits

Similar to the flu vaccine, getting vaccinated reduces the risk of getting meningococcal disease. Furthermore, it is vitally important that you and your children are vaccinated against Meningococcal B. Consequently, anyone who has had Meningococcal B opens themselves up to the long-term effects. 

Thankfully, Bexsero is available on the childhood National Immunisation Programme for;

• Babies at three months, five months, and 12 months old.
• All tamariki under five years old that have not had three doses. Free until 31 August 2025.

Mengingoccal B spreads quickly through shared items and physical touch. In fact, individuals who live in close quarters, such as a hostel, halls of residence or prison, are at a much higher risk of contracting the disease. Therefore, you will need two different vaccines if you’re aged 13 to 25 years;

• One dose of the MenQuadfi® (A, C,W,Y) vaccine.
• Two doses of the Bexsero (B) vaccine. The second dose can be given eight weeks after the first dose.

Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR)

MMR vaccines protect you from three serious infections known as Measles, Mumps and Rubella. Recently, NZ had its first confirmed case of measles since the outbreak in 2019 in Auckland on the 13th of February, 2023. Fortunately, MMR has not continued to spread through NZ at an alarming rate. However, many New Zealanders aged 15 to 29 years old missed the second dose of the MMR vaccine. As a result of changes in the MMR schedule in 2001. For this reason, many young adults only got one dose of the MMR vaccine. One dose is only 85% effective, whereas two doses are 99% effective. 

In short, we encourage all 15 to 29-year-olds to come in for a free MMR immunisation. 

Whooping Cough

Whooping cough (pertussis) is a highly contagious infection that affects your respiratory system. In most instances, it spreads quickly through coughing and sneezing. The symptoms begin relatively mild, with a runny nose and sneezing. Later, this develops into a cough that includes a high-pitched whooping when the person breathes in.

From September 1st 2022, The Boostrix vaccine is funded for individuals meeting the following eligibility criteria:

• A single dose for pregnant women in pregnancy’s second or third trimester.
• Courses of up to four doses are funded for children from ages seven to 18 years, inclusive of completing full primary immunisation.
• Single dose of vaccination for patients aged from 65 years old.
• A single dose for vaccinating patients aged 45 without four previous tetanus doses.
• Vaccination of previously unimmunised or partially immunised patients.
• Revaccination following immunosuppression.
• Boosting patients with tetanus-prone wounds.

Covid-19

Eligibility has been expanded for additional boosters.

In fact, if you have completed a primary vaccination course, you will be eligible to get another booster. Regardless of the number of boosters you have already had. This includes individuals;

•   aged 30 and over or
•   at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

If you are eligible for this extra booster, it must be at least 6 months since your last COVID-19 booster or a positive COVID-19 test.