What is influenza and how does it spread?

As we head into the cooler months, influenza (the flu) returns as a familiar, but serious, seasonal illness in Aotearoa New Zealand. Each year, thousands of New Zealanders become unwell with the flu, and many require medical care or time off work. The good news is that vaccination remains the most effective way to reduce the risk of getting the flu and its complications. 

Influenza is a contagious viral illness that spreads easily through coughing, sneezing and close contact. In New Zealand, flu activity usually increases during autumn and winter, with the highest rates typically seen between June and August. 

As a UniMed Member, you can get reimbursed for your flu jab.

Find out more

What are the risks of getting the flu?

Influenza is often mistaken for a heavy cold, but it can be much more severe. Symptoms usually come on suddenly and can include fever, chills, body aches, cough, fatigue and headaches. Recovery can take a week or longer. 

Complications from influenza can include: 

• Pneumonia 
• Worsening of existing medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease) 
• Hospitalisation 

Some people, including pregnant people, older adults, young children, Māori and Pacific peoples, and those with long-term health conditions are at higher risk of serious outcomes.

What is the 2026 flu vaccine?

For the 2026 flu season, Health New Zealand (Te Whatu Ora) is running the national Influenza Immunisation Programme from 1 April to 30 September 2026. They recommend vaccination before winter wherever possible.

The influenza vaccines used in New Zealand are updated every year to match the strains most likely to circulate. The 2026 vaccine composition has been recommended by the World Health Organization and reviewed by New Zealand public health experts to ensure it best matches current virus trends.

Why should you get the flu vaccine?

1. Protection against serious illness 

Vaccination significantly reduces the risk of severe flu, hospitalisation and complications particularly for more vulnerable populations. If you are pregnant it helps reduce the high risk of serious complications that can affect you and your baby.

2. Milder illness if you do catch the flu 

Even if someone who is vaccinated still catches influenza, their symptoms are more likely to be milder and shorter‑lasting than if they were unvaccinated.

3. Protecting others 

Getting vaccinated helps reduce the spread of flu through lowering the chance of infection and reducing severity of the symptoms. This helps to protect people who may be more vulnerable, including older family members, young children, and people with weakened immune systems.

4. Supporting wellbeing and productivity 

The flu can keep people off work or normal activities for a week or more. Vaccination helps reduce sick days and the wider impact of flu on families, workplaces and communities.

What are the side effects and risks of the flu vaccine?

The flu vaccines used in New Zealand are inactivated vaccines, meaning they cannot cause influenza.

Most people experience no or only mild side effects, which may include: 

• Soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site 
• Mild fever 
• Headache or muscle aches 

These usually resolve within a few days.

Rare reactions 

Serious allergic reactions are very rare (about 1 in 1 million people will experience this). Vaccinators are well-trained in managing allergic reactions if it happens quickly. Serious allergic reactions usually occur within the first few minutes of the vaccination.  

Who can get a free flu vaccine in NZ in 2026?

In 2026, the flu vaccine is funded (free) for people at higher risk of severe illness, including: 

• People aged 65 years and over 
• Pregnant people, at any stage of pregnancy 
• People aged 6 months and over with certain long‑term health conditions 
• Children aged 4 years and under with a history of significant respiratory illness 
• People with specified mental health conditions or those accessing secondary or tertiary mental health and addiction services 

Eligibility criteria are set by Pharmac and published annually.

Where can you get a flu vaccine in NZ?

Members can get a flu vaccination through: 

• Community pharmacies such as Life and UniChem Pharmacies 
• General practices (GPs) 
• Nurses  
• Workplace flu vaccination programmes 

Many pharmacies offer walk in or online bookings, making vaccination quick and convenient. The vaccine is available from 1 April 2026, and it takes about two weeks after vaccination for full protection to develop.

Trusted New Zealand flu vaccine resources

For more information, Members can visit: 

• Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora – Influenza 
• Healthify – Flu vaccine information 
• Immunisation Advisory Centre (IMAC)
• Medsafe – Vaccine safety monitoring