Free influenza vaccination still available

30 May 2007

Free influenza vaccination still available

The inFLUenza vaccine is available until 30 June from your local GP and the Bay of Plenty and Lakes Medical Officer of Health is urging everybody to get protected.

It’s free for people aged 65 and over or people of any age who have a long-term health condition such as heart disease, diabetes or chronic asthma.

Medical Officer of Health Dr Phil Shoemack is encouraging everyone to get the inFLUenza vaccine from their local GP, before it’s no longer available.

“The inFLUenza season is well underway. No one wants to spend up to 10 days in bed, sick with the flu,” he says. “The vaccine takes two weeks to kick in, so the sooner you get vaccinated - the better.”

InFLUenza is much more serious than the common cold. It will almost always confines you to bed and can carry the risk of significant ill health, hospitalisation or even death.

“The flu hits you hard whereas the common cold is a gradual onset of symptoms. Symptoms often include fever, chills, muscle aches and pains, headache, sore throat, cough and loss of appetite,” says Dr Phil Shoemack. “The common cold is much less severe with sneezing, runny nose, and a cough or itchy throat.”

ENDS

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