Flu jabs best before winter kicks in

People eligible for a free influenza vaccine are being encouraged to take advantage of the immunisation before winter.

This year's influenza immunisation programme was launched at Orakei Health Services in Auckland yesterday.

Hundreds of thousands of people took advantage of the free vaccine last year, which can protect people against the winter flu.

The vaccination is available free to all those over the age of 65 and those under 65 who have medical problems such as heart disease, asthma or diabetes.