Winter is definitely upon us, it is a good time to make sure you are up to date with vaccinations.

“The flu vaccination is important and is a quick procedure. The response has been really good at Feilding Health Care (FHC), we have introduced a Saturday morning clinic to make it easier for those that cannot make appointments during the working week clinics”, says Debbie Turney, Senior Nurse Manager at FHC.

People may have felt panicked when the flu vaccinations arrived a little later than previously expected this year. Not to worry, this was due to ensuring that Vaccines being delivered to New Zealand had been updated to include a new strain, after problems with their effectiveness overseas. Pharmac funded a “quadrivalent” seasonal flu vaccine, now available, that’s designed to protect against four strains of influenza, including two “A” and two “B” strains.

Influenza (flu) can be a serious illness, sometimes fatal. Influenza can make an existing medical condition such as diabetes or asthma much worse. By immunising you are protecting yourself, your family and your community. The vaccine takes around two weeks to be effective.

Immunisation is a way of preventing infectious diseases. Vaccinations are offered to babies, children and adults to protect against serious and preventable diseases.

Immunisation uses your body’s natural defence mechanism, the immune response, to build resistance to specific infections. If you have been immunised and you come into contact with that disease, your immune system will respond to prevent you developing the disease.

All vaccines approved for use in New Zealand have a good safety record and have ongoing safety monitoring.

“We are very pro-active at the Feilding Health Care and take the opportunity when seeing patients that they are up to date with immunisation.”

Do not be surprised whilst in for a regular check up that you will be offered to have either the flu vaccination or a discussion to check your immunisations are up to date. For instance most people should have had a booster for Tetanus at age 45 and then again at age 65 to ensure protection continues. Tetanus is a serious infectious disease caused by bacteria usually found in the soil. Boosters may also be needed after some cuts, grazes and wounds. There are many keen gardeners in our district – keep your immunisation up to date.

Another discussion you may want to have with your health professional is about Shingles vaccination. Did you know that if you have had chickenpox you are carrying the virus that causes Shingles? Once again, make it easy on yourself and talk with the team at Feilding Health Care to see what options are available – they are the best people to give the right advice to assist with health decisions for you and your family.