The latest summary of influenza vaccination from Te Whatu Ora shows 82,005 flu vaccines were administered across New Zealand in the past week (as at 12 May 2023), bringing the total to date to 832,361. This is compared with 786,775 doses administered at the same point in 2022.

 

The weekly summary of flu vaccinations which will be published on the Ministry of Health website each Thursday is based on data collected from the National Immunisation Register, Covid Immunisation Register and Aotearoa Immunisation Register.

 

The 2023 flu vaccination data has been expanded and will now include total vaccinations and vaccinations compared week by week, as well as vaccination uptake by age groups, 6 months to 12 years, 55 to 64 and 65 plus, and 65 plus by ethnicity, to reflect the 2023 eligibility criteria.

 

The numbers as of 12 May 2023.

  • Flu vaccines administered to those over 65 so far: 432,873 (51.1%).
  • Flu vaccines administered to Māori aged 55 to 64 so far: 14,002 (18.9%).
  • Flu vaccines administered to Pacific people aged 55 to 64 so far: 7,261 (21%)
  • Flu vaccines by ethnicity 65 plus: 51.1% (Māori 41.9% and Pacific 38.9%)
  • 1,328,454 doses have been distributed around the country.

 

It’s recommended all tamariki from 6 months old and their whānau get flu vaccination every year. The 2023 flu vaccine is free for:

  • children aged 6 months to 12 years old
  • people aged 65 and over
  • pregnant people
  • Māori and Pacific people over 55
  • people with underlying health conditions including heart disease, cancer, diabetes and serious asthma
  • people with significant mental illness such as schizophrenia or those currently accessing mental health services

 

Flu information reflect the most recent data available from the Health Service User (HSU) as a population denominator for the flu season.

For more information and to view the Influenza vaccine summary, go to the Ministry of Health website.