News
Flu Vaccinations 2024
25th March 2024 – As flu season approaches, we want to ensure you are informed about the latest updates regarding flu vaccinations and clinic availability.
Changes to Funding Criteria:
The funding criteria for the 2024 flu vaccine has been updated. The following groups are now eligible for a free flu vaccine
- People aged 65 years and over
- Individuals with long-term medical conditions such as diabetes, asthma, or heart conditions (ages 6 months and older)
- Pregnant individuals
- Children aged 4 years and under who have been hospitalized for respiratory illness or have a history of significant respiratory illness
- Individuals with mental health conditions, including schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, or schizoaffective disorder
- People currently accessing secondary or tertiary mental health and addiction services
Flu Clinic Information:
Our flu clinic will commence on Wednesday, April 3rd, running from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM daily. To schedule your flu vaccination, please contact our reception to book an appointment.
Costs for Flu Vaccines:
If you do not meet the eligibility criteria for a free flu vaccine or do not have a voucher from your employer, there will be a cost of $38 for the flu vaccine. If you are uncertain about your eligibility, please consult with your healthcare provider.
Additionally, we will be offering two other unfunded influenza vaccines for purchase:
- Flucelvax: $42 for individuals aged 6 months and above.
- Fluad Quad: $48 for individuals aged 65 years and above.
For more information about these vaccines, please visit here.
Ensuring the health and well-being of our patients is our top priority. If you have any questions or concerns regarding flu vaccinations or clinic appointments, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Stay safe and healthy this winter!
Pathlab Update
Pathlab updated hours
29/05/2023 – Pathlab Te Puke has returned to 5 days a week from today. Monday to Friday 08.00am to 4.00pm
Flu Vaccinations 2023
Flu vaccinations
29/03/2023 – Available at Te Puke Medical Centre every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon between 2 – 4 pm from Tuesday 4th April. This is a walk in clinic, no appointments needed, except for children under 3 years.
Funded vaccines for pregnant people, people aged 65 years and over & for Māori & Pacific people aged 55 years and over, children between 6 months to 12 years old and those that meet the eligibility criteria
Vaccines for purchase
$37.00 – Afluria Quad – for people aged between 12 years and 65 years old inclusive
$47.00 – Fluad Quad – for adults aged 65 years or older. (Contains an adjuvant which enhances the antibody response providing higher antibody levels and longer protection)
COVID Boosters
From 1 April 2023, an additional booster dose is available to:
- All New Zealanders aged 30 and over who have completed their primary course (2 doses) as long as it has been at least 6 months since their last COVID-19 booster or positive COVID-19 test.
- People at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19 who have completed their primary course (2 doses), as long as it’s been at least 6 months since their last COVID-19 booster or positive COVID-19 test.
Those in the high-risk groups include:
* people aged 65 years and over
* Māori and Pacific peoples aged 50 years and over
* residents of aged care and disability care facilities
* severely immunocompromised people
* people aged 16 years and over who have a medical condition that increases the risk of severe breakthrough COVID-19 illness
* people aged 16 years and over who live with a disability with significant or complex health needs or multiple comorbidities
The COVID booster and flu vaccination can be administered at the same time, however due to supply, please contact us if you would like to book BOTH flu and COVID booster vaccinations.
Latest Newsletter
Please find the latest news from the practice here
Te Puke Unichem Te Puke Pharmacy
28/10/2022 – Unichem Te Puke Pharmacy will be closed for renovations until further notice. Unless otherwise stated, we will be sending all prescription requests to Life Pharmacy Te Puke, 61 Jellicoe Street during this time. We apologise for any inconvenience.
Covid Related Information & Updates
17/11/2022 – We are a place where sick and vulnerable people come together and so we will continue to take precautions to minimise risks to both our patients and our staff.
Screening: We are trying our best to keep infectious diseases (including Covid-19) out of our waiting room. Please if you have ANY symptoms of Covid-19 please call reception before coming in to our building and they will advise how best to access the care you need – a routine appointment with your GP may still be appropriate but you may be asked to wait outside or in your car.
Masks: Masks remain recommended in our premises for anyone 12 years of age or older, including patients, visitors, support people, and our staff. If you cannot wear a mask then you will be asked to wait outside or in your car for your appointment.
Covid-19 isolation requirements and household contact testing: Only people who test positive for COVID-19 will be required to isolate, for seven days. Household contacts are recommended to wear a mask in public places and perform a rapid antigen test (RAT) every day for five days; so long as they test negative, they will be able to go about daily life as normal.
Covid-19 Vaccinations: Due to low patient demand we are not offering Covid-19 vaccinations at our clinic at present. You can access these easily at My Pharmacy and Life Pharmacy. Please see this link to find out if you are eligible for a booster vaccination https://www.health.govt.nz/covid-19-novel-coronavirus/covid-19-vaccines .
Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs): We are not a pick-up point for RATs. If you would like a supply of RATs for yourself or your family please find a local pick-up location at this link https://www.healthpoint.co.nz/covid-19/ . We of course hold some supply of RATs at the clinic, generally reserved for symptomatic patients who are booked in to see a doctor, and their households.
Clinics
Viral Clinic: We are testing on site, by appointment, anyone who has respiratory or infective symptoms as mentioned above. You will be booked into a time slot in our “Viral Clinic” . We request that you wait in your car on arrival and the doctor will call you at your appointment time (please allow a few minutes flexibility)
Phone Consultations: We will continue to offer phone consultations at the same cost as in person consultations. Phone consults work really well and we have been able to meet the needs of many. We will book you in for a call in a normal appointment slot. This will be confirmed with you at the time of booking. Please allow some flexibility either side of this time.
Consultations in Person: Consultations in person are available BUT we continue to screen for any respiratory or infective symptoms. If you are coming in for a medical appointment to see a doctor or nurse a friendly reminder to:
- Wear a mask
- Social Distancing in our waiting room
- Please stay in your car until near your appointment time – we are limiting numbers in our waiting room to keep everyone safe
The phone lines WILL be busy so please be patient. All prescriptions will be emailed or faxed to your preferred pharmacy. Please allow us 48 hours to process this.
We are here to help – stay safe