Health Minister Andrew Little said the government was expanding access to the flu vaccine after noticing an increase in pre-school children being admitted to hospital with the disease.
“We are making free flu shots available to another 800,000 New Zealanders, including children, more of whom will have to go to hospital,” Little said.
“Free flu shots are already available for everyone over the age of 65 and those who are at risk of becoming seriously ill or who have underlying conditions.
“This season we have ordered 40 per cent more vaccines. We have already seen more than one million New Zealanders get a flu shot, but with significant pressure on our health system we are stepping up efforts to get as many people vaccinated as possible. . “
The vaccine will be free for children from 3 to 12 years and for people with severe mental health or addiction needs.
Starting Tuesday, a second Covid-19 boost dose will also be available to anyone over 50, and health, elderly care and disability care workers over 30, with a six-month gap between doses.
Dr Ayesha Verrall, Minister of Response to Covid-19, said a second booster is available for anyone over 50.
It was recommended for anyone over 65, as well as Māori and Pacific peoples over 50 and people who are severely immunosuppressed, and this was where the rollout efforts were focused.
“To make sure that people in elderly residential care have made the vaccine available to them – we have already started with that – and then through all the Māori and Pacific and disability providers, to make sure access is good and strong.
“If we see any evidence that we need to lower the age, we will of course ask the experts to advise us on it again,” Verrall told Morning Report.
The availability of the second booster has also been extended to health, elderly care and disability workers over the age of 30.
“My understanding is that this is the cut-off point below which side effects of the vaccine may be more frequent,” Verrall said. “We know that we have a wide range of workers in the health workforce and that additional dosage can be beneficial in those where we are not worried that it is any additional side effects.”
“For those who do not run the risk of getting serious diseases of Covid-19, a two-dose primary course and one booster still offer very good protection. So, for those who did not have a first booster, step please get up now. “
The second booster dose should be given six months after the previous dose, and postponed for three months after a Covid-19 infection.
A second booster dose is not recommended for anyone who is pregnant and healthy, including those with no underlying health conditions that may increase the risk of severe Covid-19.
“Keeping up to date with the recommended Covid-19 vaccinations will continue to protect you from the risk of serious illness, hospitalization or death,” said Dr Verrall.
“The combination of Omicron and flu makes this winter more challenging than usual.
“The best thing New Zealanders can do to ensure that they and their families do not end up in hospital is to be aware of their flu and Covid-19 vaccinations and boosters.”
Anyone who is eligible for a second booster can get one without a prescription at a variety of locations, including boarding and drive-through vaccination centers, booking online using Book My Vaccine or by calling the Covid Vaccination Health Line at 0800 282926 .
Extensive access to the free flu vaccine for 3- to 12-year-olds was in response to more children being admitted to the hospital with the disease, Verrall said.
“While we knew flu could be different this year, we did not know exactly how different it would be. We have seen this increase in children’s hospital admissions, so we have made the change now.”
Influenza injections are available by booking with general practitioners or local pharmacies.
On the proposal that masks should be compulsory in schools, Verrall said schools did not stand out in the evidence as a place where there was more transfer, so masks will still be encouraged rather than compulsory.