All you need to know about the 2025 flu vaccination

Sniffles, colds, and the flu – they’re an annoying, but inevitable part of the colder months. But the good news is that there’s still time to get the influenza (flu) vaccine so you have a better chance of fighting off sickness, especially since it takes around two weeks for your flu vaccine to offer protection.

The influenza immunisation programme runs between 1 April and 31 December each year and it’s an important way you can look after your health and the health of those around you by reducing the spread.

I’m perfectly healthy, why should I get immunised?

Getting the flu vaccine reduces the severity and risk of catching the virus and also helps minimise its spread. Even if you’re otherwise fit and healthy, there may be people in your community who aren’t. The flu is highly contagious and people with influenza may be infectious before showing symptoms, which means you could unknowingly pass the virus on to family and friends who are more vulnerable (including young children, elderly, people with chronic health issues or those who are pregnant).

Even if you’ve had the flu or received the vaccine last year, you aren’t protected against this year’s virus. This is because the influenza virus is always changing, so a new vaccine is developed each year to protect us against the most common variants.

While most people recover from the flu in about a week, it can sometimes lead to serious health problems or a stay in hospital and in severe cases, be deadly. The elderly, or people with certain medical conditions, like asthma or diabetes, are also more at risk of experiencing complications or worsening health problems as a result.

How does the flu vaccine work?

By using the inactivated virus, the vaccine teaches your body what the flu looks like – enabling your immune system to create the right antibodies to fight it.

Usually, it takes around a fortnight for your body to build up this protection after receiving the vaccination. Getting the vaccine may not stop you getting the flu, but it means you’re more likely to get a mild case, recover faster and you're less likely to have serious complications.

Some people may experience mild symptoms in the first few days after getting the flu vaccine – this is normal! It shows that your immune system is responding to the vaccine. The most common reactions to an immunisation are a slight fever or pain / swelling where the needle went in.

Where can I go to get my flu vaccine?

This year, you can access funded and unfunded flu vaccines from a range of places, including medical or health centres, pharmacies, community-based clinics including marae-based clinics, mobile health clinics, mobile vaccination services, and your workplace.

You can find your nearest provider on the Healthpoint website HERE

How much does a flu vaccine cost?

If you meet the eligibility criteria, your flu vaccine will be free. Otherwise, your vaccination provider will be able to confirm the cost to get vaccinated, but it typically costs between $25 and $45.

This year, you are eligible for the free vaccine if you are:

● Aged 65 years and over

● Aged 6 months and over with a long term medical condition like diabetes, asthma, or a heart condition

● Pregnant

● A child aged 4 years and under who has been hospitalised for respiratory illness, or has a history of significant respiratory illness

● Diagnosed with certain mental health conditions, including schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, or schizoaffective disorder

● Currently accessing secondary or tertiary mental health and addiction services

So remember, getting immunised is our best bet in keeping ourselves and our whānau safe from the flu.