Top Taranaki men get protected

13 April 2012

The Stratford Mayor, South Taranaki Mayor and New Plymouth Deputy Mayor are united in their drive to encourage their communities to get their flu vaccination early this year.

All three are getting together at the Stratford Health Centre on Monday 16 April to support those booked in to receive their flu vaccination and to encourage parents to immunise their children on time.

National Immunisation Week runs from 23 to 29 April and is a perfect time to get on top of your families immunisations. Immunisation Week provides an opportunity for people who have questions or concerns about immunisation to talk to their family doctor or health professional.

Medical Officer of Health, Dr Greg Simmons, is delighted to have the mayors pushing the immunisation cause. “Immunisation not only protects the individual from preventable and sometimes severe illness, it also protects their whanau and friends,” he said.

Neil Volzke, Ross Dunlop and Alex Matheson, have all had their vaccination early and they know the importance of receiving it no matter how fit and healthy you are.

Stratford District Mayor Neil Volzke says, “It’s not only about protecting yourself but also your friends and family around you. I need to make sure I can’t spread the flu to those around me who are vulnerable and getting immunised every year does that.”

Flu vaccination is offered free to New Zealanders who are at highest risk of severe complications - pregnant women, people aged 65 and over, and anyone with ongoing health conditions such as heart disease, strokes, diabetes, respiratory disease (including asthma), kidney disease and most cancers.

Influenza vaccine is free for eligible groups from a doctor or nurse until July 31.Vaccine is available to everyone else for a small charge through GPs, some pharmacists and other immunisation providers. Talk to your doctor or nurse today.

The three mayors will be at the Stratford Health Centre on Monday 16 April at 1pm for a photo opportunity. If you are able to attend please contact me.

Further information relating to immunisation can be found at:
www.immune.org.nz
www.health.govt.nz
www.fightflu.co.nz

For more information please call
Sue Carrington
Media Adviser
Ph 021 367 789

Last updated: Friday, April 13, 2012