Victoria University hosts launch of Government’s flu vaccination campaign

The Minister of Health Dr Jonathan Coleman, together with Victoria University students and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Engagement) Professor Frazer Allan, received influenza shots at Victoria’s Kelburn campus, to launch the Government’s annual flu vaccination campaign.

The national influenza immunisation campaign has been launched by Health Minister Jonathan Coleman at Victoria University.

Victoria has been providing free flu vaccinations to its staff and students for a number of years.

Professor Allan says the University is delighted to have been chosen as the venue for the launch of the national initiative.

“The health and wellbeing of our University community is extremely important to us. Victoria is proud to not only host the launch of the national vaccination campaign, but also of our track-record in providing vaccinations to our students and staff,” he says.

Dr Coleman said the Government is committed to increasing influenza protection in New Zealand, especially among high risk groups.

“This year there is a particular focus on ensuring younger people with long term health conditions such as severe asthma or diabetes are protected.”

High risk groups include those with long-term health conditions such as heart disease, those at risk of stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease, kidney disease, cancer, as well as pregnant women and people aged 65 and over.

Victoria students Jared Dellow and Chennoah Walford, who were both vaccinated at the launch, fall into the high risk category.

Chennoah contracted the flu last year and in addition to missing lectures and having trouble concentrating on her studies, found her asthma significantly worsened while sick.

Similarly, Jared, who has type 1 diabetes, says when he gets the flu “it takes a lot longer to fight back”.

Rick Zwaan, President of the Victoria University of Wellington Students Association (VUWSA) also received his vaccination at the launch.

Victoria University students were first offered free influenza vaccinations 11 years ago and, each year since then, the Student Health Service has worked to increase the availability, access and promotion of influenza vaccinations at the University.

Flu vaccinations to students are provided by Student Health, with support from VUWSA, and to University staff through the Human Resources group.

Lunchtime vaccination clinics are held at all four of Victoria’s campuses, and evening clinics are held at the University’s residential halls.

Last year, over 1800 students received a free flu vaccination.