The vaccine is available from 1st April each year and is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and over, every year.
How do I book my flu vaccine?
Booking your flu vaccine with Tend couldn't be easier:
- In the Tend app: On the home page, select Book a service > select the person > select 'Flu vaccine > select your preferred clinic.
- In clinic: Walk-ins are welcome, simply let us know at reception you'd like the flu vaccine. If you're already coming in for an appointment, ask us about adding it to the end of your visit.
- Phone: Call your clinic to talk to someone from our reception team.
- You don't need to be enrolled with Tend to get the flu vaccine. We welcome casual patients.
Why should I get a flu vaccine?
The flu (influenza) is not the same as a common cold. It hits you quickly and can cause symptoms like fever, shakes, body pain, a runny nose, coughing, trouble breathing and an upset stomach. This can leave you stuck in bed for a week or longer.
The flu typically spreads when people with it cough or sneeze, and it's most commonly seen in the winter.
Even if you're generally healthy and fit, the flu can make you or your kids very sick.
Because the flu virus changes frequently, the flu shot has to be adjusted every year to fight off the latest versions of the virus. This is why getting a flu shot yearly gives you the best defence against getting sick.
Who should get the flu vaccine?
The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older. It’s especially important for older adults, pregnant people, young children at higher risk, and anyone with long-term health conditions like heart, lung, diabetes, or immune issues. Healthcare workers and carers are also encouraged to get vaccinated.
When should I get a flu vaccine?
The ideal time to get your flu vaccine is just before winter hits - typically between April and June - as it takes around two weeks to build full protection.
The flu vaccine is part of an annual immunisation programme, updated each year to target the most common flu strains. Getting vaccinated every year is the best way to stay protected and reduce your risk of serious illness.
How much does the flu vaccine cost?
In New Zealand the flu vaccine is funded for people most at risk of serious illness, including:
- People aged 65 years and over
- Pregnant people
- People under 65 with certain long-term health conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or reduced immunity)
- People with serious mental health or addiction conditions
- Children aged 4 years and under who have previously been hospitalised for respiratory illness or have a history of significant respiratory illness
If you’re unsure whether you qualify for a funded flu vaccine, talk with your Tend practitioner or nurse and they can help determine your eligibility.
For those not funded:
Standard flu vaccine: $30
Advanced flu vaccines (Fluad or Flucelvax): $52
Do you accept Maxwell Health flu vouchers?
Yes, we do! If your workplace, company, or employer has given you a Maxwell Health flu voucher, you are welcome to use this at Tend.
Flu vaccine FAQs
Are there different types of flu vaccines?
There are several flu vaccine options available, including both standard and advanced protection. Your care team will guide you through the best choice for your age and health needs during your appointment.
What is the Fluad vaccine?
People aged 50 years or older are at a higher risk of becoming seriously ill from influenza and are eligible for Fluad, a tailored version of the flu vaccine.
This version of the flu vaccine is designed to help create a stronger immune response to the vaccine. It is beneficial for older people who often have a lower protective immune response after flu vaccination compared to younger people.
Is the flu vaccine safe?
Yes. The flu vaccine is very safe and has been used for decades around the world. Like any vaccine, mild side effects such as a sore arm or tiredness can occur, but serious reactions are rare.
Can I get the flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine at the same time?
Yes. You can safely get both vaccines during the same visit. Not all clinics offer the COVID-19 vaccine, so you will need to ask when booking.
I've had COVID-19 recently. Should I still get the flu vaccine?
Yes. Even if you’ve had COVID-19, you should still get the flu vaccine. Just wait until you’re feeling well and out of isolation.
How long does the flu vaccine take to work?
It takes about two weeks for your body to build full protection after the flu shot, so don’t wait until flu season peaks.
Do I need a flu vaccine every year?
Yes. The flu virus changes constantly, so the vaccine is updated each year to match the circulating strains. That’s why yearly vaccination is recommended.
Can I bring my tamariki?
Absolutely. The flu vaccine is available for children aged 6 months and older. We recommend calling your clinic if you're booking for a child under 3.
Can I get a workplace flu vaccine?
Tend currently does not offer on-site workplace flu vaccinations, but employees are welcome to book individual appointments at our clinics. We do accept Maxwell Health vouchers.
Is there a consent form for the flu vaccine?
Consent is gathered during your appointment - verbal consent is usually all that’s required. If you’d like to review more information ahead of time, just let us know and we’ll send it through.
