Newsletters

Jamie Paea 11/6/25 Jamie Paea 11/6/25

Measles

Measles is currently in our community. It is a highly contagious disease and can affect anyone who is not immune. We highly encourage you to check if you and your family are protected.

You are considered to have immune protection against measles if you have had:

- Measles infection before

- TWO doses of a measles vaccine after the age of 12 months. In New Zealand, this is a combination Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccine.

MMR vaccination by age groups

· 70 years or older: do not need an MMR vaccine

· Mid-50s and 60s: very unlikely to need a vaccine, but it can be considered if necessary, e.g. travelling to high-risk countries

· Adults up to mid-50s: recommended to have MMR if they do not have a clear record of two doses of measles-containing vaccine or confirmed measles.

· Childhood: Two scheduled MMR doses should be given at 12 months and 15 months of age. Children who have not received two documented doses can be offered catch-up doses. If a child receives an MMR dose before 12 months of age, they still require the two scheduled doses at 12 months and 15 months

· Overseas vaccine records: It is important to check overseas vaccine history to ensure any missing MMR vaccines are offered as part of a catch-up vaccination programme.

For more information, please visit this link.

The MMR vaccine is free for under-18s and for adults eligible for funded care. Vaccination is available at Queen Street Doctors and selected pharmacies.

If you are unsure or need help, please speak to one of our friendly nurses on 09 373 4055.

Jamie Paea 7/26/21 Jamie Paea 7/26/21

Other Vaccines

Annual Influenza Vaccination

The Influenza vaccine will be available at Queen Street Doctors from Tuesday, 1st of April 2025.

It will protect against four strains of the influenza virus expected to circulate in our community this year, but it does not protect against COVID-19.

This year we are offering:

Influvac Tetra

This is the standard influenza vaccine manufactured using the traditional egg-based method. It can be given from 6 months of age.

It is free for people with certain health conditions or who are 65 years and older. For everyone else, it is $35 per dose.

Flucelvax Quad

This is a modern influenza vaccine that is 15% more effective than the standard influenza vaccine. It can be given to people aged 6 months or older and costs $45 per dose.

Fluad Quad (for people 65y+ only)

This vaccine contains an adjuvant, MF59, to enhance the immune response to the vaccine for stronger and prolonged protection compared to the standard influenza vaccine. If you are over the age of 65, you can opt to purchase this vaccine for $50.

Please be aware that you may be asked to wait up to 20 minutes after your vaccination to monitor for any adverse reactions.

For more information on Influenza vaccines, please visit:

https://www.immune.org.nz/vaccine/influenza-vaccine

https://www.fluvaccine.co.nz/flucelvax-quad-full

https://www.fluvaccine.co.nz/fluad-quad-full

To make an appointment with the nurse or check if you are eligible for the free vaccine, please call us on 09 373 4055.

Covid Vaccines

Anyone who has completed a primary course will be eligible to get another booster if you are:

Aged 30 and over or
At higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 and;
It has been at least 6 months since their last COVID-19 booster or positive COVID-19 test.

People at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 will also be able to receive an additional booster, regardless of how many doses they have previously had.

Travelling

If you’ll be travelling overseas in the near future, please make sure to book a travel consultation with one of our doctors a month before you depart. They will review which vaccinations are required for your destination and will determine the best timing to receive them. Once everything has been confirmed, we’ll be able to administer the vaccines on site.

Brian Lam 5/29/19 Brian Lam 5/29/19

Meningococcal

It all begins with an idea.

There has been a lot of media attention about the recent meningococcal outbreaks in New Zealand. Meningococcal disease is a serious bacterial infection that causes meningitis (swelling of the brain membranes) and septicaemia (blood poisoning). It can be quite difficult to diagnose as the initial symptoms appear similar to a bad cold of flu. It can develop quickly and immediate medical attention and treatment with antibiotics is very important.

There are vaccines available to protect against most of the different serogroups (types) of bacteria that cause Meningococcal disease. The types that cause most disease are A. B, C, W, and Y. Unfortunately, no single vaccine offers protection against all of these types but there are vaccines available that cover specific types.

The available vaccines are:

Nimenrix and Menactra protects against Meningococcal A, C, W and Y.
Bexsero protects against 4 strains of Meningococcal Group B.

It takes at least 2 weeks for the vaccines to work after vaccination.

Until now, these vaccines have not been funded but on December 1st 2019, PHARMAC began funding ONE dose of the Menactra vaccine for young people aged 13 to 25 years, who satisfy their criteria for the free vaccine.

Coming in for this free vaccine is a good opportunity to have a youth check-up and discuss the pros and cons of the other non-funded vaccines.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us on 09 373 4055.

For more information about Meningococcal disease, please visit:

For more information about the available vaccines, please visit: