Winter is coming - time for a flu shot

Every year, New Zealanders take an average of around four sick days off work, costing the economy a staggering $1.4 billion1. The dreaded flu is one of the main culprits, affecting one in every five Kiwis2.

Green Cross Health, the company behind Unichem and Life Pharmacies, is determined to help New Zealanders stay in action by offering immunisations at more than 200 Unichem and Life Pharmacies throughout the country.

“As we know, it’s hard to avoid coming into contact with the flu. It’s important to get protected. By getting a flu shot, we are doing what we can to protect ourselves ,our families and communities against the virus and avoid time away from work, school, sport and other activities,” says Alison Van Wyk, Head of Professional Services for Green Cross Health.

“Every year more pharmacists in Unichem and Life Pharmacies are stepping up to become trained vaccinators to protect their local communities against the flu and they can now vaccinate people 13 years and older,” Ms Van Wyk says.

“You now have the choice of where to get your flu vaccine. You don’t need an appointment at your local pharmacy, you can pop in when it suits you and save time by completing a consent form online before you get there.”

The secure online consumer consent system, developed in partnership with specialist health IT and software firm SimplHealth last year, is a first for pharmacies and reduces the time filling out documentation, freeing up pharmacists to spend more time with their customers.

Getting vaccinated as early as possible gives the best defence against the flu and immunisation can last you an entire year, according to the Ministry of Health.

“It doesn’t matter how young, fit or healthy you are, you can still get the flu. Getting vaccinated is not just for your protection, but to ensure you don’t pass the virus on to others,” Ms Van Wyk says.


Trained vaccinator and pharmacist Noor Hassan, of Life Pharmacy Newmarket, and flu vaccine recipient Sarah George. Photo courtesy of Acumen Republic

Vaccination is needed on a yearly basis as not only does the protection level reduce over time, but the circulating influenza strains change and may not have been included in your last dose.

“The vaccine works by helping your body to make antibodies that recognise the flu virus and prevent infection. It takes a few weeks for the body to produce these antibodies and will become your best defence against the flu,” Ms Van Wyk says.

“Getting a flu shot needs to be a priority for all Kiwis before winter hits. It takes less than 10  minutes and can save you weeks spent in bed feeling ill,” Ms Van Wyk says.

Pharmacists are now able to administer a range of vaccinations against not only the flu, but meningococcal disease, shingles and whooping cough.

Ms Van Wyk says, “We strive to be an integral part of the communities in which we operate and a place where customers can trust they will receive professional care and advice at a time that’s convenient to them.”

Go to www.flushot.co.nz to find your nearest pharmacy and to fill out an online consent form.


1 Southern Cross Wellness in the Workplace Survey 2015
2 Civil Defence Emergency Management Group