What you need to know

When should I get the flu vaccine?

The official flu season runs from April to December.

It's best to get your flu vaccination before winter, as this is when the flu is most active in our communities. It takes around two weeks after being immunised for the vaccine to become fully effective - that's when you'll be best protected.

If you don't manage to get vaccinated before winter, it's still recommended to get it in the following months. It's never too late to vaccinate.

Why do I need to get the flu vaccine every year? 

For the best protection, you'll need to get the flu vaccine every year because:

• Protection reduces over time. Your immunity from last year's vaccine decreases over time.
• The virus changes. Each year, different strains of influenza emerge, which may not be covered by the previous year's vaccine.
• Vaccination reduces severity. If you do get the flu after being vaccinated, you usually get a milder form, recover faster, and are less likely to have serious complications.

How can I get the flu? 

The flu is a viral infection passed from person to person via infected droplets, commonly spread by sneezing and coughing. You can catch the flu through:

• Direct contact: Infected droplets entering your nose, mouth, or eyes
• Indirect contact: Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your face

The virus can survive on hard surfaces for up to 24 hours (and in some cases up to a week).

How can I prevent spreading the flu?

• Get immunised with an annual flu vaccine.
• Stay at home if you are unwell.
• Avoid touching your nose, mouth, ears, or eyes.
• Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly with soap and water, or use hand sanitiser.
• Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue, and dispose of tissues immediately.
• Clean frequently touched surfaces regularly - door handles, phones, bathroom surfaces.
• Don't share glasses, drink bottles, or cutlery.

What is the difference between a cold and the flu?

Because colds and flu share some symptoms, it's easy to confuse the two, as they both occur more frequently in winter. The flu is a serious illness and is different from the common cold.

A cold virus usually only affects the nose, throat, and upper chest. It is a mild illness that lasts up to 1–2 weeks, although some symptoms can last longer - for example, a cough may persist for a few days after other symptoms have cleared.

The flu is a moderate to severe illness with a sudden onset of symptoms. It can be a serious illness that affects the whole body and can last for 7–10 days or longer. It can cause serious complications in some people. With the flu, you often don't have the energy to get out of bed.

What are the symptoms of the flu?

Flu symptoms can be severe and come on suddenly. They may include:

• Fever (38°C or higher)
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle aches and pains
• Headaches
• Sweats or chills
• Fatigue and weakness
• Stomach upset, vomiting, or diarrhoea

Symptoms typically last 1–2 weeks, though a cough may persist longer. It can take several weeks to feel fully recovered.

Important: Up to 80% of people infected with the flu don't show symptoms but can still pass it on to others.

Who is eligible for a free flu vaccine? 

• People 65 years and over
• People who are pregnant
• Children 4 years and under with a history of significant respiratory illness or hospitalisation for respiratory illness
• People with heart disease or stroke
• People with chronic respiratory conditions (including asthma if on regular preventative therapy)
• People with diabetes, chronic kidney disease, or cancer
• People with immune conditions (including autoimmune disease, HIV, or transplant recipients)
• People with neurological or neuromuscular conditions
• People with certain other conditions (Down syndrome, cochlear implant, haemoglobinopathies, splenectomy)
• People with serious mental health conditions (schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder) or currently accessing secondary/tertiary mental health and addiction services

 FULL Funded vaccine criteria

What if I'm not eligible for a free vaccine?

Even if you don't qualify for a funded vaccine, you can still get vaccinated. The flu vaccine is available for purchase at most pharmacies and GP clinics. Ask the team at Unichem Southend Pharmacy Shop about pricing and availability.

Can I get the flu vaccine and the COVID-19 Vaccine at the same time?

Yes. You can have a COVID-19 vaccination at the same time as your flu vaccination - there's no need to leave a gap between them. If given together, the vaccines will be administered in separate injection sites using different syringes.

Check with your vaccination provider beforehand to confirm they can administer both vaccines.

Getting vaccinated at our pharmacy

What to expect

• The appointment takes approximately 10–15 minutes.
• The injection is given in your upper arm.
• Most people experience little to no discomfort.

Possible side effects

Side effects are usually mild and may include:

• Soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site
• Low-grade fever
• Mild aches

These typically resolve within 1–2 days.

For more information, contact Unichem Southend Pharmacy Shop on (06) 377 3891.

*Information from www.health.govt.nz and https://schedule.pharmac.govt.nz