Free Flu Vaccinations Now Available for Tamariki Under 5
Date: 11 Sep 2026
It’s not too late — help protect your pēpi and tamariki from flu.
Flu can be more serious for young tamariki than a seasonal cold. Tamariki under 5 are experiencing some of the highest rates of flu-related hospitalisation and severe māuiui in Aotearoa.
Getting your tamariki vaccinated is one way we can manaaki and tautoko their hauora, while also helping protect our whānau and wider hapori.
Why vaccinate against flu?
Flu is a viral infection that can make young tamariki very unwell, even if they are fit and healthy.
The flu vaccine can:
• help reduce the risk of serious illness and hospital care
• help reduce the spread of flu within our whānau and hapori
• provide an extra layer of protection for our pēpi, tamariki and those more vulnerable to serious illness.
Where can I get my tamariki vaccinated?
Free flu vaccinations are available for enrolled whānau at our clinics.
Tauranga Moana City GP Clinic
Monday–Friday
Drop in: 8.30am–12pm OR 3.30pm–4.30pm OR
Book an appointment.
Te Akau Hauora GP Clinic
Monday–Friday
Appointments by booking.
Book through MyIndici or call us on 0800 114 900.
Can the flu vaccine give my tamariki the flu?
Kao. Your tamariki cannot get influenza from the flu vaccine because it does not contain live influenza virus.
Some tamariki may have mild side effects, such as a sore arm, mild fever or aches. These usually settle within a day or two.
If you have any pātai or concerns, come and have a kōrero with us.
Kao. Your tamariki cannot get influenza from the flu vaccine because it does not contain live influenza virus.
Some tamariki may have mild side effects, such as a sore arm, mild fever or aches. These usually settle within a day or two.
If you have any pātai or concerns, come and have a kōrero with us.
Is it too late to vaccinate?
Kao — it’s not too late. Although winter has passed, flu is still spreading through our communities this spring, and young tamariki remain at risk of becoming seriously unwell.
If your tamariki is aged 6 months to under 5 years and hasn’t had their flu vaccination, come and have a kōrero with our clinic team.
How many doses does my tamariki need?
This depends on their age and whether they have had a flu vaccine before.
• 4 years and over: 1 dose
• 3 years and under: If this is their first flu vaccination, they would usually need 2 doses, 4 weeks apart. However, as we’re late in the flu season, it may not be practical to have a second dose this year. One dose will still provide some protection and means only one dose will be needed next year.