Kiwi flu vaccination doses reach a record level

The Number of New Zealand Influenza Vaccines Is at Its Highest Level

Health Minister David Clark announced this morning that about 100,000 additional doses had been administered this year, compared to last year.

"He said he was happy that more New Zealanders have ever chosen to protect themselves from the virus."

"It's a huge merit for the hard work of vaccinators in general surgeries, pharmacies and other health care providers across the country in recent weeks

" For those who are more at risk of getting the flu, Clark says that every year about 400 New Zealanders have died of the flu.

"Many of them have other health problems that make them more vulnerable to complication . On Wednesday, the Australian government announced that it would start imposing monthly fines on parents who do not vaccinate their children.

Reinforcing its policy of "no jab, no pay," parents who do not get their children vaccinated will lose $ 30 a fortnight of their tax benefits for each child that they do not vaccinate.

The announcement sparked a mixed debate on social media with some New Zealanders saying that it should be up to the individual to make decisions about theirs According to Clark, Australia and the US Northern Hemisphere had particularly deadly influenza seasons in the last 12 months

"New Zealand's influenza vaccines protect against all four strains.Vaccination is free of charge for pregnant women, 65 and over and people under 65 with heart disease, severe asthma, diabetes, cancer and other serious illnesses.

Includes children under five who have been hospitalized for a respiratory illness

The vaccine is offered by general surgeries, but pregnant women and those aged 65 and over can also be immunized for free in many community pharmacies s.