Māori And Pasifika Flu Vaccine Boost This Winter

WellSouth Primary Health Network is filling a gap for
Māori and Pasifika aged 55-64 years old to get a free flu
vaccine.

With the flu vaccine now available (April
1), there are many people in Otago and Southland who are
eligible for a free influenza vaccine – this includes all
people over 65, and all people who have long-term medical
conditions like diabetes, asthma, or a heart condition
and/or long-term mental health conditions.

Last
winter, Māori and Pasifika aged 55-64 years old were also
funded to receive a free vaccine by the Ministry of Health,
using one-off Covid-19 funding stream. That funding has
ended, and with this, many hundreds of 55-64 year old Māori
and Pasifika were no longer covered.

Dr Carol Atmore,
Clinical Director at WellSouth, the primary health
organisation (PHO) for Southland and Otago, says WellSouth
sees the value of providing flu vaccines for all Māori and
Pacific people in our district, and has decided to fund this
locally.

“Given Māori and Pacific people experience
a greater illness burden at a younger age than NZ European
people, and often live in multi-generational households,
this was seen as a great targeted service to promote health
in this population group,” she says.

“We looked at
the percentages and funding available and have made the
decision to fund the shortfall and ensure that high needs
group is covered this year.”

“This supports
approximately 1000 people and means that all 55–64
year old Māori and Pasifika in Otago and Southland are now
able to get a fully funded flu vaccine,” says Dr
Atmore.

You can get your vaccine at your general
practice or local pharmacy.

If you are not eligible
for a free flu vaccine, itcan cost between $25 and
$45.

Dr Atmore says, “whether you are eligible for a
free vaccine or not, I strongly encourage everyone to get
their flu vaccine – and their Covid booster if they are
eligible – to keep ahead of getting sick this
winter.”

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