Bell Block and all Taranaki people who are eligible for a free flu shot have less than 48 hours left to take up the offer. The government-subsidised campaign ends on Wednesday 31st July 2013 and after that anyone who would like to be vaccinated will have to pay a fee. Taranaki medical officer of health Jonathan Jarman said last year the flu hit the hardest at the start of August so it was still important people get vaccinated. “We still have vulnerable people unprotected in our community which is a concern as influenza cases are due to rise and it can take up to two weeks to develop protection after vaccination.” Influenza vaccinations are free from a doctor or nurse for New Zealanders until July 31st 2013 if you are in one of these groups: People aged 65 and over, Anyone under 65 years of age (including children) with long-term health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease (including asthma), kidney disease and most cancers, Pregnant women, Children aged from six months and up to five years of age who have been hospitalised for respiratory illness or have a history of significant respiratory illness.
