Influenza prevention and protection
Prevention of influenza starts with the basics – paying attention to hygiene, in particular, washing your hands will help you avoid many infectious diseases.
If you are unwell, stay at home to prevent spreading the virus. When coughing or sneezing, cover your nose / mouth and use disposable tissues.
An influenza vaccination offers proven, effective immunity against the virus. It cannot give you influenza because it contains no live viruses.
People who are eligible for FREE influenza immunisation are those at high risk of complications, either because of their age (65 years and over) or because they have an ongoing medical condition. See your health professional for more information.
For many people, immunisation is FREE - go to www.influenza.org.nz to see if you qualify to receive a free annual influenza vaccine.
