Health Alert

COVID-19 Vaccinations

are available as walk-ins (please note there may be a wait), or by appointment in Nurse UCC or during an evening clinic.

Funded for:

• adults aged 30 years and over
• additional doses are recommended at least 6 months after a previous COVID vaccination or infection
• everyone in Aotearoa NZ  >12 years of age who hasn’t received a COVID-19 vaccine can receive a single dose

INFLUENZA Vaccination – INFLUVAC TETRA:  Available from 1st April 2026 –  as above for appointments.

FREE for:

• pregnant people
• people aged 65+
• people with certain long-term conditions
• some children with respiratory illness history

Non-Funded:

Adults                            $32.50

<18 years of age          $20.00

 

Evening Flu & COVID Clinics

Tuesday, 07.04.26                     5pm – 8pm

Wednesday, 08.04.26               5pm – 8pm

Thursday, 09.04.26                    5pm – 8pm

*ADHD ASSESSMENTS*

*MEASLES OUTBREAK NOTICE*

There have been recent cases of Measles in New Zealand not linked to international travel, indicating community transmission.

Please be aware of the early symptoms:

• Fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red, watery eyes
• Rash (typically appears a few days after other symptoms)

 Measles is HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS – the virus can linger in the air for up to 2 hours after an infected person has coughed or sneezed.

You can spread the virus:

• From 4 days before the rash appears
• Until 4 days after the rash appears

 If you or your child develops symptoms:Stay home and call your GP or Healthline (0800 611 116) before visiting any medical centre.

Protect yourself and your whānau – check your MMR vaccination status.

 

 

CHANGES TO COVID FUNDING FROM 1st JULY 2024

 

Covid funding has changed from 1st July 2024 and is no longer funded.

In General Practice we have previously been able to provide free appointments for eligible patients with Covid.

From 1st July, all appointments and prescriptions (antivirals) for Covid care will now be charged at our normal rate. Please follow this link to have a look at our fees. https://www.taupohealth.co.nz/faq/

The nationwide Covid Healthline number is being removed, people should instead call the general Healthline number: 0800 611 116. This number is free and available 24/7.

Covid antivirals continue to be available for eligible patients. These can be prescribed here by a GP via a telephone appointment ($19.50) or from Unichem pharmacies. Taupō Unichem Pharmacies can provide medications without a GP prescription. These websites have information on eligibility for Covid-19 antivirals. https://info.health.nz/conditions-treatments/infectious-diseases/covid-19/antiviral-medicines/

While we are not a RAT collection site, free RATS are still available in NZ until the end of September 2024. Your nearest collection site is Mainstreet Pharmacy on 51 Tongariro Street.

Covid vaccinations continue to be free. Aside from us, find your other local vaccinator provider here: https://www.healthpoint.co.nz/covid-19/lakes/?covidTesting=im%3A1295965

Up to date information on eligibility and timing of Covid vaccines is available here: https://info.health.nz/immunisations/vaccines-aotearoa/covid-19-vaccines/getting-covid-19-vaccines/

COVID-19 Update:

COVID-19 is still present in New Zealand, with occasional waves and ongoing spread in the community.

Current illness is often similar to a cold or flu, with common symptoms including:

• cough
• runny nose
• sore/itchy throat
• fever
• fatigue
• headaches
• loss of appetite

If you have any of the above symptoms and are unwell, please phone us – 07 378 7060

Please Note: If you come to the surgery, please ring the front door bell and wait outside the clinic – a receptionist will come outside to see you (please wear a mask if you have one)

In a Health Emergency call 111.

• Forms can be emailed to you, or sent directly to the lab or radiology department.
• All prescriptions can be directly sent to the pharmacy of your choice.
• Please like our Facebook page for updates: https://www.facebook.com/taupohealth
• Anyone experiencing stress, feeling overwhelmed, or with mental health concerns, can book an appointment with a Health Improvement Practitioner (HIP), or call or text 1737 anytime, for support from a trained counsellor

Need a Same Day/Urgent Appointment?  Call us to be added to our phone triage list for a same-day call.  For Emergencies call 111

What To Do If You’re Feeling Unwell

• Stay home if you’re unwell (generally about 5 days recommended)
• Avoid contact with others, especially those who are vulnerable
• Consider taking a COVID-19 test (reporting is no longer required)
• Rest, stay hydrated and manage symptoms
• Call your GP or Healthline (0800 611 116) if you need advice
• Seek urgent care if symptoms become severe (e.g. difficulty breathing) – PHONE 111