Clinics all set for annual influenza vaccine jabs

People will be able to get their regular winter flu jabs from this week with the vaccine's arrival in the country.

About 130,000 doses have already been distributed, enabling most clinics around the country to begin immunisations for seasonal influenza.

The new vaccines, Vaxigrip and Fluvax, are expected to give the best protection against the strains of influenza designated by the World Health Organisation as likely to be circulating in New Zealand this year.

The supplies were secured by Government drug-buying agency Pharmac. Its medical director Dr Peter Moodie said all back orders had now been filled and all further orders would be delivered within two days.

Dr Moodie said there was an increased demand for influenza vaccine in the Northern Hemisphere's winter season and the manufacturers had taken that into account when planning stocks here.

Immunisation against seasonal influenza is recommended by the Ministry of Health as part of its preparation for pandemic influenza.

Virologist Dr Lance Jennings, who is also the National Influenza Strategy Group spokesman, said that although seasonal influenza immunisation would not protect people from pandemic flu, it was essential that people were aware of the seriousness of influenza.

Health Minister Pete Hodgson has urged people to get the immunised.

The flu jab is free for people aged 65 and over and those with long-term health conditions such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

The subsidised immunisation programme is available until June 30.

The Government aims to have at least 75 per cent of people aged 65-and-over immunised. Last year, only 61 per cent of over-65s were vaccinated.