The annual influenza vaccine is now available. The priority is to initially maximise coverage for patients eligible for free vaccination. This group is all pregnant women, everyone over 65 or those under 65 with diabetes or a chronic heart or lung condition. Full definitions available at fightflu.co.nz

From 13 April the influenza vaccine will be available to everyone else that wishes to self fund vaccination.

Because the aim of influenza vaccine is to reduce infection vaccinations will only be offered in the afternoons between 2:30pm and 4pm. This will avoid the situation of well people having to wait with sick people during the busy morning sessions.

To keep healthy patients attending for vaccination out of the main surgery Influenza vaccines will be done in the Pathlab part of the building. This will be only for people eligible for free vaccines until 13 April. This will be on first come first served basis and constrained by the number of vaccines we have available. We have our first batch available and another on order.

There may be limited capacity in the surgery for waiting the suggested 20 minutes after the vaccination so it would be ideal if you could come with another person so that you can wait in your car following vaccination.