Immunisation for Older People - NIP8890

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FREE vaccines to protect against influenza, shingles, tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough

As we age our immune system doesn’t work as well, meaning older people are more likely to become infected from illnesses and viruses circulating in the community and be more likely to have serious complications from these infections.

This is why it’s important to make sure you are up to date with immunisations especially those for flu, tetanus and whooping cough, covid and shingles.

Flu

All adults are recommended to have a yearly flu vaccine from the start of April. Flu immunisation is free for everyone 65 years and over as well as for many at any age who have long term health conditions like diabetes or asthma.

Every year around 500 New Zealanders die from influenza.

FREE influenza vaccine each year for adults aged 65+

Annual flu vaccination also reduces the risk of strokes and heart attacks particularly for those with risk factors.

Tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough (Boostrix)

One injection contains a booster for all three diseases and is offered when you turn 45 years old (if you have not had 4 previous doses of a tetanus vaccine) and from when you turn 65 years old (if it has been more than 10 years since previous booster). You may be recommended to have a booster if you get a dirty wound (e.g. a cut or scratch when working in the garden) to protect against tetanus.

A booster may also be recommended if you work or live with young children or babies. This is to provide a boost to your whooping cough (pertussis) protection. There may be a charge for this.

Tetanus

This rare but serious disease is caused by bacteria found in soil and manure (horse or cow poo). You can get the disease if dirt carrying this bacteria gets into a wound.

Tetanus is more likely to be fatal in older people.

Symptoms of tetanus disease include painful muscle spasms, difficulty breathing, chewing and swallowing. Almost all cases of tetanus have occurred in unvaccinated or partially vaccinated people.

Diphtheria

Diphtheria is a serious disease that can easily spread from person to person (especially within families) through coughing and sneezing. It causes a skin infection but can also affect the throat causing breathing difficulties.

Diphtheria was a common cause of death in children until the 1940s. But this disease is now very rare in New Zealand because of immunisation.

Whooping cough (pertussis)

Whooping cough causes breathing difficulties and severe coughing fits. The cough can go on for weeks or months which is why it’s sometimes called the ‘100 day cough’.

For older people who may have more fragile bones, the severe cough can even cause rib fractures. It can also lead to pneumonia in some cases.

It can easily spread between family members by coughing and sneezing. It can also spread quickly around early education centres and schools.

Whooping cough is not under control in Aotearoa New Zealand. When outbreaks occur, it affects thousands of people.

Covid

Older people and those with medical conditions are recommended to keep up to date with their covid additional doses to avoid severe illness from a covid infection. In most cases a covid additional dose is recommended either 6 months after your last dose or 6 months after your last covid infection.

Shingles

Anyone who has had chickenpox is at risk of developing shingles later in life. Shingles is a painful rash that develops on one side of the face, body or head. Before the rash develops, people often have pain, itching, or tingling in the area where the rash will develop.

1 in 3 New Zealanders will get shingles in their lifetime

Shingles vaccine is FREE at age 65 years

The most serious complications are nerve pain that can last for months or years, and eye problems that can result in loss of vision.

The best protection against shingles is vaccination. This is free for the 12 months after your 65th birthday so it’s important to book your vaccine as soon as you turn 65 years. Some other adults may also be able to receive the vaccine for free if they have specific health conditions. Talk to your doctor or hospital specialist if you think this might apply to you.

For more information about vaccines for older people visit Adult immunisations

Why is immunisation important for older adults?

Immunisations reduce the chance of you catching diseases and means that if you do catch them you are less likely to get really sick and have to go to hospital.

Being immunised reduces the chance of catching some diseases. Being immunised also means less chance of passing these diseases to our whānau, particularly to those who may not have strong immune systems or are too young to be immunised themselves.

As we age our immune systems become less effective at fighting disease, so it is important to make sure you are up to date with your immunisations.

Additional free vaccines are available for those who are at higher risk of some diseases due to certain medical conditions, such as a weakened immune system. These include the pneumococcal vaccine. Ask your healthcare provider or vaccinator if you are eligible for these.

Some additional vaccines can be paid for, including the RSV vaccine. Your healthcare provider will be able to advise if these are recommended for you and what the costs will be.

Where can I have my immunisation?

There are many places you can have these immunisations; book an appointment with your local medical centre or health provider, pharmacy or at community health events.

Visit Book a vaccine to book your appointment in your area or call the Vaccination Helpline on 0800 28 29 26 Interpreters are available.

Some health services offer group appointments for immunisations. Contact your healthcare provider to see if your whānau can have a group appointment so you can all get vaccinated together.

Are there any common reactions to the vaccines?

Like most medicines, vaccines can sometimes cause reactions. These are usually mild, and not everyone will get them.

If you are going to have any reactions, they normally happen in the first few days after getting vaccinated.

The most common reactions to an immunisation include:

• a slight fever
• pain or swelling where the needle went in.

Serious allergic reactions are extremely rare. Only about 1 in 1 million people will experience this.

Your vaccinator is well-trained and knows what to look for and can treat an allergic reaction quickly if it happens.

These reactions normally happen within the first few minutes of vaccination. This is why you need to wait for up to 20 minutes after immunisation.

You will be given information on what to expect after your immunisation, including when and where to seek help if you need it. If you are concerned you can also call Healthline on 0800 611 116

Whānau immunisations

People immunised against vaccine-preventable diseases are less likely to get these diseases and pass them on to others in their family.

Pēpi (babies), kaumātua (older people), and those with long-term health conditions are very vulnerable if exposed to vaccine-preventable diseases. They could become very sick and it could be life-threatening. All members of a whānau being fully vaccinated creates a bubble of protection.

In most cases you can have these vaccines on the same day if you are due for them.

If anyone has missed a vaccination, do not worry, most vaccinations can be caught up on. If you are unsure if you or your whānau are up to date with your vaccinations, contact your doctor, nurse, or healthcare provider.

For more information about getting immunised

• talk to your healthcare provider, nurse or community pharmacy
• call the Vaccination Helpline on 0800 28 29 26 Interpreters are available.
• visit Health Information and Services