Vaccination service


 

Influenza vaccine

2024 flu vaccinations start at the beginning of April with our Pharmacist Vaccinator. If you can't find a timeslot that suits you online, please call us on 8357948 to ask what we can arrange for you.

The flu vaccine stimulates immunity against the virus, aiding in faster recovery upon exposure. As the virus mutates every year, the strains of virus in the vaccine are updated. Eligible groups (over 65 years, pregnant women or those with certain health conditions) can receive free vaccines, while others can obtain them for a fee. 

Immunity from the flu vaccine is expected to last for three to four months, so April to June are the best months to be vaccinated to allow the vaccine to work at it's peak during the flu season. As the immunity wears off and the strains of virus mutate each year, it is important that you have the flu vaccine each year. In 2024, Influvac Tetra is the funded vaccine, but we will also have available Fluad Quad, a boosted vaccine for greater effectiveness for people over 65 years (unfunded).

Before your appointment, we recommend talking to our Pharmacists if you are currently unwell with a high fever; are taking blood thinning medication or have a bleeding disorder; have had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to any vaccine, medicine, or anything else or have had any other vaccines in the last week. Read more in this "what you need to know" factsheet.
 

COVID-19 booster vaccine

COVID-19 booster vaccinations can be given at the same time as your flu vaccine if you are due for the next booster. Being up-to-date with your vaccinations gives you the best possible protection. These groups in particular are recommended to get a booster:

  • people aged 65 and older,
  • Māori and Pacific people aged 50 and older,
  • those who have a medical condition that makes them severely immunocompromised (12 years of age and older),
  • pregnant people who have not had any booster dose previously, have co-morbidities, or have no history of previous COVID-19 infection and
  • residents of aged care facilities.

    The COVID-19 booster vaccine has been updated to Pfizer Comirnaty 30mcg XBB1.5. It has been developed to combat the newer strains of COVID-19 and has been approved for use in time for winter 2024. Changes to the COVID-19 virus means the vaccine needs to be updated to be effective. More information is available here.

    Other Vaccinations Available

    Vaccinations now able to be funded and administered by your Pharmacist Vaccinator include:

    Shingrix (Varicella zoster, shingles vaccine)
    Boostrix (Tetanus, Diphtheria and Whooping cough vaccine)
    Bexsero (Meningococcal B vaccine)
    MenQuadfi (Meningococcal ACWY vaccine)
    Gardasil (Human papillomavirus HPV vaccine)

    Shingrix is approved to prevent shingles and its complications (most commonly nerve pain). It is recommended for all adults aged from 50 years and is funded for adults at age 65 years and adults with a range of specific immune-deficient circumstances (see the criteria here). It is a non-live vaccine that is around 90% effective and is given as two doses, 2-6 months apart. Read more about shingles or book with the button above.
     
    Boostrix is approved to be given to pregnant women and people over 65 years. Meningococcal vaccines are both approved to be given to patients over 16 years and Gardasil (HPV vaccine, to prevent cervical cancer) is funded for all people aged 9 years to under 27 years. If you aren’t eligible for a funded vaccine, you can still get your vaccine through pharmacy for a fee.
     

    Vitamin B12 Injections

    Our Pharmacist vaccinators can also administer prescribed Vitamin B12 injections. Vitamin B12 is also called cobalamin or hydroxocobalamin and is used in the body for making red blood cells; nervous system support and healthy mental function. It is available in foods, but mostly in meat, fish, shellfish, dairy products and eggs.
     
    Signs you may be deficient in vitamin B12 include weakness, tiredness, light-headedness, shortness of breath, pale skin or numbness and tingling.  It is best to have your levels checked by your doctor before supplementing. Your prescription will then be dispensed and the injection given by intramuscular injection every 3 months. 


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