Is immunisation part of your winter wellness kete?

Tiakina tō hauora, tiakina tō whānau.
As winter approaches, it’s a good time to strengthen our tinana and protect those we love.

We can do this by making our whare warm and dry, by eating nourishing kai and by doing the physical activities that benefit our tinana and hinengaro – bodies and mind.

We can also give ourselves and our whānau the best protection against catching and spreading viruses that can cause diseases, by being immunised.

Why werohanga (immunisation) matters

Werohanga helps to:

• stop adults and tamariki from getting really sick from a disease, and having to go to hospital

• stop people from dying from diseases that could be prevented

• reduce the risk of long-term health issues and disabilities caused by disease

• stop people from passing diseases to their whānau, particularly to those who may not have strong immune systems

• keep your community safe by stopping the spread of disease (sometimes called ‘herd immunity’)

• prevent you having to take time off from mahi, kura or sport due to you or your whānau being sick

• protect you and your unborn pēpi during pregnancy

Viruses like the ‘flu can affect you badly even if you are a young and healthy person.

Immunisations available through Te Piki Oranga

Our qualified nurses are more than happy to kōrero with you, to help you make the best decision for you and your whānau. We offer the following immunisations:

Flu (influenza)

• recommended every year because the ‘flu virus is a different strain every year

• it is free for kaumātua aged 65+, hapū māmā, and whānau with long-term health conditions

Childhood Immunisation Schedule

• free immunisation for tamariki at set ages from 6 weeks through to school-age

• immunises against diseases such as: rotavirus, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, hepatitis B, pneumococcal disease, meningococcal B, measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox and (for school-age children) HPV and booster vaccines

Covid-19

• recommended every year because the Covid-19 virus can be a different strain every year

• free for everyone aged 5+. Boosters help maintain protection, especially heading into winter.

Shingles (Shingrix®)

• recommended for adults aged 50+

• free for whānau aged 65+ and for some whānau with higher health risks.

When to see us for your immunisation

Now is the best time, before winter illness peaks and your chances of catching a virus is higher. 
You can often get more than one immunisation at a time, for example for Covid-19 and the 'flu. 

After your vaccination

You may notice mild side effects such as a sore arm or feeling tired. This is normal.
We’ll ask you to stay for 15 minutes afterwards to make sure you’re feeling well before heading home.