Grab a jab!  

With the colder months approaching, it’s time to start thinking about the best way to protect your health. Winter illnesses like influenza (flu) and measles are easily preventable with a vaccine.

And remember, if you feel unwell, please stay home and let your lecturer know. If you need to go out, are sneezing, or have a cough, wearing a mask will protect those around you.

About flu 

The flu is a virus that spreads quickly between people. Flu causes symptoms like a fever, chills, muscle or body aches, runny nose, headache, cough, sore throat or upset stomach. It is normally worse than a cold. 

It can take between 1 to 4 days to feel symptoms after you catch flu. The worst symptoms usually last about 5 days, but coughing can last up to 2 to 3 weeks.

Find out more about flu symptoms and complications from Te Whatu Ora | Health New Zealand.

Preventing flu 

The flu virus changes often. This means the vaccine has to be adjusted each year to match the new strains of the disease. Your best defence against flu is to get a yearly flu vaccine and follow basic hygiene and lifestyle practices such as:

• washing your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds and dry them for 20 seconds – or use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• not sharing drinks. 
• avoiding crowded places. 
• covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
• wearing a mask. 

Flu vaccine 

The flu vaccine is available from 1 April each year, before winter starts. It’s recommended that everyone over 6 months old gets immunised against flu each year.

Flu vaccines are available from your doctor, nurse, or healthcare provider. Everyone over 3 years old can get a flu vaccine at many pharmacies. 

Flu vaccines for an individual, or a group, can also be booked online through Book My Vaccine, or over the phone. 

Book a vaccine online.

Book over the phone – 0800 28 29 26 (8.30am-5pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays)

Find more info about booking a vaccine, or how to get specific support for your needs below.

About booking a vaccine.

About measles 

Measles can be life-threatening if you haven’t been vaccinated. See here for more info about the symptoms of measles. As always, if you’re sick, please stay home and let your lecturer know. 

Measles cases are increasing internationally, and immunisation is the best way to protect our communities.

Most young people will have had at least one MMR vaccine (measles, mumps and rubella) when they were a young child but you need to have had TWO doses of this vaccine to be fully protected. 

If you don’t know whether you’ve had two doses, check your Plunket or WellChild book, or ask your doctor. 

If you’re still unsure, it’s best to get a vaccination anyway. It’s free for:

• anyone born in or after January 1969, or 
• those who haven’t had two MMR vaccinations, or 
• if you don’t have proof of vaccination.

It’s also free if your visa allows you to stay for two years or if you’re a contact of someone who has measles. 

If you were born before January 1969, you’re considered to be immune already.

Key facts 

• There are NO safety concerns with having more than two MMR vaccinations. 
• However, people who are pregnant cannot have the MMR vaccine.
• You can have an MMR vaccine at the same time as your Covid-19 vaccine or flu vaccine. 

How do I get my MMR vaccination? 

You can get your vaccination at some pharmacies, participating Māori or Pasifika providers or your doctor. 

You can book an MMR vaccine online.

For more info about the MMR vaccination, see the Ministry of Health website.