Flu Vaccination Service

Flu Vaccines at Corner Pharmacy – Hillsborough, Auckland

Corner Pharmacy is conveniently located in Hillsborough on the Dominion Road extension, making us your local go-to for flu vaccinations in South Auckland. Whether you're searching for a flu shot in Hillsborough, a pharmacy on Dominion Road, or an influenza vaccine in Auckland, our team is here to help protect you and your whānau this flu season.

 

What Is the Flu Vaccine?

The flu vaccine is a yearly shot that protects you from the influenza virus, which causes seasonal flu. It's updated each year to target the strains most likely to spread, ensuring you get the best protection possible.

The flu vaccine is available to everyone in New Zealand over 6 months old. It's the best way to protect yourself and help prevent passing the flu to others. The standard vaccine can prevent up to two-thirds of flu cases in healthy adults.

Who Gets a Free Flu Vaccine?

The flu vaccine is free for the following groups:

  • Pregnant women
  • People aged 65 and older
  • Anyone with conditions like diabetes, cancer, asthma, or heart disease (ages 6 months and up)
  • Children aged 4 and under with serious respiratory illnesses
  • People under 65 with certain mental health conditions

Here's the full list of who's eligible and more information about possible side effects.

Influenza A vs Influenza B: What's the Difference?

Influenza A and B are two types of flu viruses that cause seasonal flu. While similar, there are key differences between them.

Influenza A

Influenza A is the most common flu virus, responsible for seasonal flu outbreaks and sometimes pandemics. It can infect both humans and animals, like birds and pigs. Symptoms include:

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Muscle aches
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Occasionally, nausea or vomiting (more common in children)

Influenza B

Influenza B only infects humans and causes seasonal flu outbreaks, though it doesn't lead to pandemics. It generally results in milder illness but can cause stronger symptoms in kids, such as ear infections, vomiting, and even seizures.

Treatment for Influenza A and B

If you catch the flu, there are several treatments that can help you feel better and recover faster:

  • Rest and stay hydrated: Rest is crucial for your body to fight the virus. Drink plenty of fluids like water or herbal teas to stay hydrated and ease congestion.
  • Over-the-counter medications: Paracetamol or ibuprofen can help reduce fever and ease aches. Follow the instructions and avoid using them for too long.
  • Pseudoephedrine cold and flu tablets: These can clear a blocked nose, but they're not suitable for everyone, so check with a pharmacist first.
  • Stay isolated: To prevent spreading the flu, stay home and rest until you're better, especially to protect vulnerable people like the elderly.
  • Seek medical help if needed: If symptoms worsen or you have trouble breathing, chest pain, or confusion, see a doctor.

Most people recover with rest and care, but reach out to a healthcare professional if you're concerned.

Walk-In Flu Vaccine Appointments – Hillsborough Pharmacy

Walk-in appointments at our Hillsborough pharmacy are subject to pharmacist availability, and appointment availability will vary. We recommend checking with us directly to confirm availability before visiting. Find us on the Dominion Road extension — your local flu vaccine pharmacy in Auckland.




References

# Compared to standard vaccine.
* The flu vaccine is a prescription medicine. Talk to your healthcare professional about the benefits and possible risks.
^ This data is across 5 seasons and in studies in people under 64 years of age.

  1. Audsley JM et al. Expert Opin Biol Ther. 2004;4(5):709-717. / Ulmer JB et al. Nat Biotechnol. 2006;24(11):1377-1383 / The Dark Side of Your Seasonal Flu Vaccine, and Its Startling Environmental Impact [Internet]. EnGen Bio. 2021 / CSL Seqirus NZ Data on File #12, Flucelvax Environmental Impact
  2. Fluad Data Sheet available at www.medsafe.govt.nz / Pelton SI, et al. Vaccines (Basel). 2020;8(3):E446. / Boikos C, et al. Vaccines (Basel). 2021;9(8):862. / Gärtner BC, et al. Vaccine. 2022;40(22):2999-3008. / Boikos C, et al. Clin Infect Dis. 2021;73(5):816-823.
  3. Frey SE, et al. Vaccine. 2014;32(39):5027-5034. / Kavian N, et al. Clin Transl Immunology. 2020;9(2):e1107. / Ansaldi F, et al. Vaccine. 2008;26(12):1525-1529.




Mandatory Statements
Flucelvax®
Flucelvax® is an unfunded Prescription Medicine. Flucelvax is an inactivated influenza vaccine, prepared in cell cultures as a suspension for injection, in a single-dose glass syringe. PRESENTATION: Each dose contains 45 micrograms/0.5 mL of surface haemagglutinin and neuraminidase from three influenza virus strains. INDICATIONS: For the prevention of influenza caused by Influenza Virus, types A and B, in adults and children 6 months of age and older. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Known severe allergic reaction (e.g. anaphylaxis) to a previous influenza vaccination or to any component of the vaccine. ADVERSE EVENTS: Local injection site pain, erythema and induration. Systemic headache, fatigue, myalgia, irritability, nausea, upper respiratory tract infection and nasopharyngitis. Post-marketing serious adverse events includes hypersensitivity reactions, anaphylactic shock; paraesthesia, Guillain-Barré syndrome; pruritus, urticaria, or non-specific rash; Extensive swelling of injected limb. PRECAUTIONS: Postpone immunisation in patients with febrile illness or acute infection. A protective immune response may not be elicited in all vaccine recipients, particularly in immunosuppressed patients. If Guillain-Barré syndrome has occurred within 6 weeks of previous influenza vaccination, the decision to give Flucelvax® should be based on careful consideration of the potential benefits and risks. Treatment and supervision for anaphylactic reactions should be available. Co-administration with other vaccines has not been studied. DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION: By intramuscular injection only. Gently shake to produce a clear to slightly opalescent suspension before use. Store at 2–8°C; do not freeze; protect from light. Before prescribing, review the Flucelvax Data Sheet (12/2025) www.medsafe.govt.nz, Seqirus Auckland, 0800 502 757. Flucelvax is a registered trademark of Seqirus UK Ltd or its affiliates.
FLUAD®
FLUAD® is an unfunded Prescription Medicine. FLUAD® is an inactivated influenza vaccine, with an MF59® Adjuvant, as a suspension for injection in a single-dose glass syringe. PRESENTATION: Each dose contains 45 micrograms/0.5 mL of surface haemagglutinin and neuraminidase from three influenza virus strains. INDICATIONS: For active immunisation against seasonal influenza for people 50 years of age and older. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Known severe allergic reactions to any component of the vaccine, except egg proteins; previous dose of any influenza vaccine. ADVERSE EVENTS: Common injection site pain, fatigue and headache. Most of these reactions disappear within 3 days. Rare but serious events include thrombocytopenia; lymphadenopathy; muscular weakness; allergic reactions such as anaphylactic shock, anaphylaxis; encephalomyelitis, Guillain Barré syndrome, neuritis, neuralgia, paraesthesia, convulsions; vasculitis with transient renal involvement; generalised skin reactions; and severe injection-site reactions (extensive limb swelling or cellulitis-like reactions). PRECAUTIONS: Postpone immunisation in patients with acute febrile illness or infection. Antibody responses may not be protective in all vaccinees, particularly in immunosuppressed patients. FLUAD® is for intramuscular injection use only. Persons with a history of anaphylaxis to egg should be vaccinated only in medical facilities with staff experienced in recognising and treating anaphylaxis. Co-administration with other vaccines has not been studied. If Guillain-Barré syndrome has occurred within 6 weeks of previous influenza vaccination, consider potential benefits and risks. DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION: Gently shake before use; inject a single 0.5 mL dose into the deltoid muscle. Store at 2–8°C; do not freeze; protect from light. Before prescribing, review the FLUAD® Data Sheet at www.medsafe.govt.nz, or from CSL Seqirus (NZ) Ltd, Auckland. FLUAD® is a registered trademarks of Seqirus UK Ltd or its affiliates.
INFLUVAC® TETRA
10/25 INFLUVAC® TETRA (inactivated influenza vaccine, surface antigen) Suspension for Injection containing 15 mcg haemagglutinin per each of the four influenza virus strains, for a combined total of 60 mcg in a single-dose 0.5 mL prefilled glass syringe with 16mm needle attached. MEDICINE CLASSIFICATION: Prescription Medicine. INDICATIONS: For the prevention of influenza virus types A and B in adults and children from 6 months of age and older. CONTRAINDICATIONS: hypersensitivity to the active substances or to any component of the vaccine, except egg proteins; anaphylaxis following a previous dose of any influenza vaccine; refer to the relevant National Immunisation Guidelines for full details on contraindications and precautions. PRECAUTIONS: Medical facilities with staff experienced in recognising and treating anaphylaxis should be readily available; immunisation should be postponed in patients with febrile illness or acute infection; INFLUVAC® TETRA is not for intravascular administration; caution in individuals with thrombocytopenia or any coagulation disorder; syncope (with procedures in place to avoid injury from faints); antibody responses may not be protective in all vaccines, particularly in immunosuppressed patients; consider interference with serological testing. Serology results in adults ≥ 65 years were lower than those in younger adults. ADVERSE EVENTS: Injection site pain, fatigue and headache. Serious reactions include transient thrombocytopenia; transient lymphadenopathy; allergic reactions, in rare cases leading to shock, angioedema; neuralgia; paraesthesia; febrile convulsions, such as encephalomyelitis, neuritis and Guillain Barré syndrome; vasculitis in very rare cases associated with transient renal involvement; generalised skin reactions including pruritus, urticaria or non-specific rash. DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION: Allow to reach room temperature and gently shake and inspect visually before use; administer a single 0.5 mL dose by intramuscular or deep subcutaneous injection, whereas the intramuscular route is preferred. For children aged between 6 months and less than 9 years of age who have not previously been vaccinated, a second dose of 0.5 mL should be given after an interval of at least 4 weeks. Store at 2-8°C; do not freeze; store in original package in order to protect from light. INFLUVAC® TETRA is a funded prescription medicine for people who meet the eligibility criteria set by Pharmac. Before prescribing or administering please refer to the full datasheet, available from www.medsafe.govt.nz. INFLUVAC® is a Viatris company trade mark. Viatris Ltd, Auckland. Copyright © 2025 Viatris Inc. All rights reserved. MA-NZ-General-12/25-00001.
FLUZONE® TETRA
FLUZONE® TETRA Inactivated Trivalent Influenza Vaccine, Split Virion (Influenza Virus Haemagglutinin). Indications: FLUZONE® indicated for active immunisation of influenza caused by influenza virus types A and B in adults and children aged 6 months and over. Dosage and administration: Shake well. For IM injection. Adults and children 6 months of age and over: 0.5mL. One dose recommended for children and adults above 9 years of age. Two doses separated by an interval of 4 weeks recommended for children under 9 years of age who have not been adequately primed based on influenza vaccination history. Fluzone should be given in accordance with national recommendations as per the current Immunisation Handbook. Contraindications: Known systemic hypersensitivity reactions after previous administration of any influenza vaccine or to any component of the vaccine. Precautions: All known precautions should be taken to prevent hypersensitivity reactions. Weigh risks and benefits in subjects with a history of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), bleeding disorder or in individuals on anticoagulant therapy. Postpone vaccination until after moderate or severe acute or febrile disease. Immunogenicity may be reduced by immunosuppressive treatment or conditions. Syncope. Contains ≤ 1 microgram ovalbumin (egg). Pregnancy and lactation - Category A. Health authorities recommend the vaccination of pregnant women. Side effects: Injection site reactions; pain, tenderness, erythema, swelling, induration, pruritus and ecchymosis. Systemic reactions: myalgia, headache, malaise, shivering, fever, irritability, drowsiness, appetite loss, vomiting and abnormal crying (in children). Unknown: thrombocytopenia, lymphadenopathy, anaphylaxis, other allergic or hypersensitivity reactions, ocular hyperaemia, GBS, convulsions including febrile convulsions, Bell's palsy, vasculitis, vasodilation/flushing, dyspnoea, pharyngitis, rhinitis, cough, wheezing, throat tightness, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, rash, pruritus, asthenia/fatigue, pain in extremities, chest pain, neurological disorders such as myelitis, optic neuritis/neuropathy, brachial neuritis, syncope, dizziness, paraesthesia, vomiting. Please review the full data sheet prior to prescribing. Full data sheet is available from the distributor, Pharmacy Retailing (NZ) Ltd t/a Healthcare Logistics, PO Box 62027 Sylvia Park Auckland 1644, FREEPHONE 0800 283 684 or refer to Medsafe website http://www.medsafe.govt.nz.