With winter on the way it is a good time to remember the basic rule of avoiding colds and flus spreading.
The fundamental message for all of us is, if you have cold or flu symptoms, talk to your manager about flexible working if you can, or take sick leave.
Health NZ is also advising our communities to increase immunisation coverage as protection against illness.
The northern hemisphere has reported a severe flu season, and Aotearoa New Zealand is currently experiencing a pertussis (whooping cough) epidemic.
Please read the following messages on immunisation including what immunisations you are eligible for.
Influenza immunisation
The flu (influenza) is not the same as a common cold. It is a more serious disease that can cause severe illness and hospitalisation.
Those who are higher at risk of serious complications of a flu infection include young children, older people, those who are pregnant, people with chronic health conditions such as diabetes and those who are immunocompromised.
Yearly immunisation is the best protection against flu infection and helps prevent the spread of disease to others.
The 2025 flu vaccine is free for people at higher risk of getting very sick, including*:
• people aged 65 years and over
• people aged 6 months and over who have a long-term medical condition like diabetes, asthma, or a heart condition
• those who are pregnant
• tamariki (children) aged 4 years and under who have been hospitalised for respiratory illness, or have a history of significant respiratory illness
• people who have serious mental health conditions or who are who are currently accessing secondary or tertiary mental health and addiction services.
*The complete eligibility criteria can be found on PHARMAC’s website.
Whooping cough immunisation
Whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory disease that is particularly dangerous for babies who have not been fully immunised.
More than half of babies under 12 months old who catch whooping cough need to go to hospital.
Immunisation during pregnancy is the best way to protect the baby until they can start their own immunisations at 6 weeks of age.
COVID-19 immunisation
COVID-19 can cause severe illness, especially in those who are older, who have chronic medical conditions, or who are immunocompromised.
Everyone aged over 5 years is encouraged to ensure they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Everyone over the age of 30 years old are eligible for additional doses and people who are at higher risk of severe illness — including those aged over 65 years and those who have underlying health conditions — are recommended to receive an additional dose every 6 months.
The COVID-19 and flu vaccines are safe to receive at the same time and can be offered together to provide good protection against viral illnesses this winter.
Measles immunisation
Measles can be very dangerous, especially to unvaccinated children, and can cause serious complications. It is highly contagious, and a single case can cause a widespread outbreak.
New Zealand is at very high risk of a measles outbreak, due to our low immunisation rates and ongoing measles outbreaks overseas.
People who are unsure of their immunisation status should contact their healthcare provider, who can check their records for them.