News article
30 June 2022
Influenza vaccines administered in New Zealand
The numbers as at 24 June 2022
- 29,811 flu vaccines administered across New Zealand in the past week, bringing the total to date to 1,072,852 (21% of the population).
- Flu vaccines administered to those over 65 so far: 538,710 (66%).
- Flu vaccines administered to Māori aged 55 to 64 so far: 21,311 (31%).
- Flu vaccines administered to Pacific people aged 55 to 64 so far: 10,729 (34%).
- 1,477,573 doses have been distributed around the country.
What you need to know
- Getting the flu vaccine helps reduce your risk of getting really sick or having to go to hospital.
- Reopening New Zealand's border means we will see new strains of flu spreading in our communities.
- Flu vaccines are free for those people most likely to get very sick – people who are over 65 years of age; Māori and Pacific people over 55 years of age; pregnant people; and those with underlying health conditions.
- Total influenza vaccinations administered for the year in 2020 was 1,163,566
- Total influenza vaccinations administered for the year in 2021 was 911,046
- Visit the Ministry of Health’s website for more information.
- Data may vary reflecting timeliness of data reporting.
This flu season is one of the most challenging we’ve seen in recent years, with many people presenting at hospital with severe flu-related symptoms. Funded eligibility for the flu vaccine has now been extended.
This week, from 1 July, flu vaccinations will also be free for all tamariki aged 3-12 years old, and for people with serious mental health and addiction needs.
To keep your child and whānau healthy this winter, it’s important they have a flu vaccination, and are also up to date with their other vaccinations, including COVID-19 and measles.