Experts warn of the upcoming winter and flu season

The government has launched an influenza vaccination campaign, and the Minister of Health has shook his head.

Health Minister Andrew Little is preparing to get the flu vaccine.
Photo: RNZ / Tim Brown

Experts warn that this winter will be the toughest, as the pandemic began with the possibility of a secondary Covid-19 wave that coincides with the flu season.

As a result, the government has given the flu vaccine 2 million times, allowing nearly 40,000 more people to get the flu vaccine for free.

The first free jab in Dunedin’s Tekaika was by Health Minister Andrew Little, who was eligible for a free flu vaccine to fight cancer.

“I had prostate cancer about 13 years ago and then recovered, and it qualifies me for a free flu shot,” he explained.

The government was keenly aware of the importance of deploying influenza vaccination this year. The country has entered the uncertainty of the first flu season with the spread of Covid’s infection.

“We know that the risk of both Covid and the flu being epidemic at the same time is very high, so we need to provide maximum protection against many people who get sick at the same time,” Little said. I am saying.

He said the government was prepared for the possibility of two waves colliding.

“It’s possible. I didn’t know when Omicron would hit us. I was hoping for a warmer season. It happened. But in reality Covid doesn’t go. Apart from not knowing what will happen next in Covid, we are always trying to track what is happening in other parts of the world, but there are other outbreaks and other high levels of Covid infection. Must be expected. “”

The government has secured an additional 600,000 doses and extended free eligibility to all Maori and Pacifica people over the age of 55.

It is already free for those who are pregnant, over 65 years old, or at risk of becoming seriously ill due to other underlying illnesses.

The University of Otago epidemiologist Michael Baker said that anyone qualified should be vaccinated against the flu.

Michael Baker.
Photo: RNZ / Samuel Lilstone

“I think it’s a year for anyone who has previously postponed the flu vaccine to get the flu vaccine just to boost their immunity into the flu season. One of the other reasons is Covid- In addition to getting 19, influenza has an increased risk of poor outcomes and death. “

Influenza has been essentially eliminated here for the past two years as the New Zealand border was closed under Covid-19.

According to Professor Baker, returning home this winter may be tough.

“This should be planned for a severe winter in terms of respiratory infections, because the winter is not over yet, as Covid-19 is widely circulated and apparently has not been infected with the flu for two years. That’s right. It’s going to get harder and harder for our medical system. “

People in the health sector are already growing and the system can be overwhelmed this winter.

But now, by combining public health measures, such as people wearing masks and staying home when sick, with vaccination, the risk of overwhelming the system can be minimized, Baker said. rice field.

Dr. Brian Betty, medical director at the University of Medical Practitioners, said he was also concerned about the potential of the flu season.

“I think New Zealand is particularly vulnerable because the borders are so closed. There have been few flus in New Zealand over the last two seasons, which may have resulted in weakened innate immunity. , Much more vulnerable. This year will probably be a worse flu season than usual. “

Melanie Soria, clinical manager of the Tekai Kacovid Vaccination Center, encourages people to get a Covid booster and keep Tamariki up to date with other vaccinations when Farnau is vaccinated against the flu. I said.

“Obviously, our vulnerable people are our target group. We are trying to help Maori and Pacific Islanders, low-income families. We contact them and are informed. We are doing our best to give you the opportunity to make choices. “