The vaccine is available from 1st April each year and is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and over, every year.
How do I book my flu vaccine?
- In the Tend app: On the home page, select 'Book a service' > select the person > select 'Flu vaccine' > select your preferred Tend clinic.
- In clinic: Walk-ins are welcome, simply let us know at reception you'd like the flu vaccine. If you're already coming in for an appointment, ask us about adding it to the end of your visit.
- Phone: Call your clinic to talk to someone from our reception team.
You don't need to be enrolled with Tend to get the flu shot. We welcome casual patients.
Why should I get a flu vaccine?
The flu (influenza) is not the same as a common cold. It hits you quickly and can cause symptoms like fever, shakes, body pain, a runny nose, coughing, trouble breathing and an upset stomach. This can leave you stuck in bed for a week or longer.
The flu typically spreads when people with it cough or sneeze, and it's most commonly seen in the winter.
Even if you're generally healthy and fit, the flu can make you or your kids very sick.
Because the flu virus changes frequently, the flu shot has to be adjusted every year to fight off the latest versions of the virus. This is why getting a flu shot yearly gives you the best defence against getting sick.
Who should get the flu vaccine?
The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older.
It’s especially important for older adults, pregnant people, young children at higher risk, and anyone with long-term health conditions like heart, lung, diabetes, or immune issues.
Healthcare workers and carers are also encouraged to get vaccinated.
When is the flu vaccine available in 2026?
The 2026 flu vaccine is available from 1 April at all Tend clinics. The ideal time to get vaccinated is just before winter hits — typically between April and June — as it takes around two weeks to build full protection.
The flu vaccine is part of an annual immunisation programme, updated each year to target the most common flu strains. Getting vaccinated every year is the best way to stay protected and reduce your risk of serious illness.
Flu vaccine cost in NZ
In New Zealand, the flu vaccine is funded (free) for people most at risk of serious illness:
• People aged 65 and over
• Pregnant people
• Children aged 6 months to under 4 years
• Anyone with certain long-term health conditions — heart, lung, diabetes, or immune conditions
• Healthcare workers and carers
• See here for detailed list of eligibility criteria
If you’re unsure whether you qualify for a free flu jab, talk with your Tend doctor or nurse and they can help determine your eligibility.
For those not funded:
Standard flu vaccine: $30
Advanced flu vaccines (Fluad or Flucelvax): $52
Do you accept Maxwell Health flu vouchers?
Yes, we do! If your workplace, company, or employer has given you a Maxwell Health flu voucher, you are welcome to use this at any Tend clinic.
Flu vaccine FAQs
Otherwise the prices are:
Standard flu vaccine: $30
Advanced flu vaccines (Fluad or Flucelvax): $52
This version of the flu vaccine is designed to help create a stronger immune response. It is beneficial for older people who often have a lower protective immune response after flu vaccination compared to younger people.
Tend Kingsland
Tend Symonds Street
Tend Constellation Drive
Tend Pakūranga
Book a time through the app or walk-ins are welcome — no enrolment required.
Tend has several Tauranga clinics offering flu vaccinations.
Tend Greerton
Tend South City
Tend Bethlehem
Tend Pāpāmoa
Book a time through the app or walk-ins are welcome — no enrolment required.
Tend Linwood
Tend Harewood
Tend Hagley Park
Tend Waltham
Tend Beckford
Tend Ashburton
Book a time through the app or walk-ins are welcome — no enrolment required.
