Health NZ - Bay of Plenty

01/09/2026

Extra protection for our littlest: Free flu vaccines now available for under 5s

From today, all children aged 6 months up to their fifth birthday can get a free influenza (flu) vaccine.

This change comes as flu continues to cause high rates of illness and hospitalisations in young children this season, with children under five experiencing some of the highest rates of flu-related hospital care.

The flu season started later than usual and is expected to continue, so it's not too late to get vaccinated. The current flu vaccine is also a good match for the flu virus circulating most widely this year.

✅ Free for all children aged 6 months to under 5 years, pregnant women, and people aged 65+
✅ Helps protect against serious illness
✅ Helps protect your family and community.

The flu vaccine is also free for many people with certain medical conditions.

Book at bookmyvaccine.nz or contact your GP, pharmacy, Hauora Māori provider, Pacific health provider, or local immunisation clinic. Many providers also offer walk-in appointments.

30/08/2026

Flu just won't give up this winter! 🦠

And it's not too late to get protected. 🛡️

Immunisation can still help reduce your risk of serious illness as we head into spring. If you've already had one type of flu this season, vaccination may still be worthwhile, as it helps protect against multiple flu strains. It could help you avoid a second round!

Good news - your local pharmacy may be able to vaccinate you, often without an appointment. Many pharmacies offer convenient walk-in flu vaccination services and can help check whether you're up-to-date with other recommended vaccinations.

Have a chat with your local pharmacist today and find your nearest pharmacy on healthpoint.co.nz.

26/08/2026

The flu vaccine does more than help protect against flu.

Research shows it may also help reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. If you haven't had your flu vaccination yet, it's not too late. 💙

Getting vaccinated is easy. Talk to your usual GP clinic, Hauora Māori or Pacific health provider, or local pharmacist. You can also book through bookmyvaccine.nz. Sorted!

20/08/2026

It's now FREE to book a video appointment with a NZ qualified Online GP for children under 14. Book via healthnz.govt.nz/OnlineGP and check out this video explanation about Online GP from one of our wonderful Community Paediatric Clinical Nurse Specialists.

19/08/2026

Need care, but it's not an emergency?

If your health concern isn't life-threatening, there may be options that can help you get advice or treatment sooner than waiting in the Emergency Department (ED).

✅ Your GP or practice nurse
✅ Online GP (free for children under 14, subsidised for adults with a Community Services Card)
✅ Urgent care clinics
✅ Your local pharmacist, Some treatments are now funded through Extended Pharmacy Services for eligible people, at participating pharmacies
✅ Ka Ora Telecare for after-hours care in rural areas

Not sure where to start? Call Healthline on 0800 611 116. It's free, available 24/7, and can help guide you to the right service.

Learn more about your healthcare options at healthnz.govt.nz/GetHelp

In an emergency, always call 111 or go to the nearest Emergency Department.

18/08/2026

Need healthcare but not sure where to start?

If it's an emergency, the Emergency Department (ED) is the right place. But for many everyday health concerns, there may be other options that can help you sooner.

💻 Online GP (now FREE for under 14s)
📞 Healthline: 0800 611 116. There is a callback service if you don't want to wait on hold.
🏥 Urgent Care and After Hours clinics.
💊 Your local pharmacy. Under the Extended Pharmacy Service, some treatments are now free or lower cost. Call your local to find out.

ED teams prioritise the most seriously unwell patients first, so if your situation isn't an emergency, you may face a long wait.

Find the right care for your needs at healthnz.govt.nz/GetHelp

12/08/2026

Feeling unwell or hurt and can't see your usual doctor?

The Emergency Department (ED) isn’t always the best place for every situation, but it’s exactly where to go in an emergency.

Swipe through to find the right care for you.

Visit healthnz.govt.nz/GetHelp to find the right healthcare for your specific needs.

10/08/2026

🎵 I can’t stand still, I got the hippy hippy shake 🎵

Hundreds of people can still do the hippy hippy shake each year thanks to the care they receive at Tauranga Hospital after a hip fracture – and now that work is being recognised on the national stage.

Tauranga Hospital has been named one of three finalists for New Zealand's Most Improved Hospital in the 2026 Golden Hip Awards.
With 21 hospitals in the running, making the final is an achievement we simply can’t stand still about.

Every year, Tauranga Hospital cares for around 200 people with hip fractures, helping patients through emergency care, surgery and recovery.

A huge shout-out to the teams behind this achievement, and good luck for the awards on 17 September! 👏

🎵 Ow, the hippy hippy shake 🎵

04/08/2026

Calling all health professionals, community workers, and breastfeeding advocates! Registrations are now open for the Ūkaipō WBOP Breastfeeding Coalition Annual Education Day 2026.

Join us for a day of learning, connection, and whakawhanaungatanga as we come together to strengthen our knowledge, share experiences, and continue supporting whānau to achieve their breastfeeding goals.

📅 Friday, 28 August
🕙 9:45am – 5:00pm
📍 Hei Marae, Te Puke

Spaces are limited, so secure your spot today. Link in the comments below👇

For more details about the education day check out Ūkaipō WBOP Breastfeeding Coalition

🎉 Registrations are open!

Join us for the Ūkaipō WBOP Breastfeeding Coalition Education Day—an inspiring day of learning, connection, and collaboration with health professionals, advocates, and community members who are passionate about supporting breastfeeding and improving maternal and infant health.

✨ Learn from expert keynote speakers
🤝 Connect with colleagues and peers
💡 Gain practical knowledge and evidence-based insights to support your practice

Don't miss this opportunity to be part of an engaging and empowering day. Secure your place today—we look forward to seeing you there!

Register now via the link in our bio.

https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/ukaipo-annual-education-day-2026-tickets-1993787830071?aff=oddtdtcreator

24/06/2026

Scabies is a tiny mite that causes a very big itch! There have been reports of scabies around recently, so it's important to know the signs and how to treat it properly.

The main symptom to look out for is an itchy rash that mostly affects the arms, legs and torso. Have one already? See your healthcare provider so they can check for scabies or other conditions.

If scabies is confirmed, it can be easily treated with these steps:

✅ Treat it with a cream to kill the mites (pharmacies may offer subsidised advice and treatment)

✅ Treat everyone in your household at the same time

✅ Treat clothing and bedding in a hot wash or dryer; or by freezing or bagging

✅ Vacuum carpets, mats and sofas

✅ Remember to treat car seats too.

To make sure you get rid of the scabies mites completely, see more detailed info on how to treat them: http://spr.ly/6180BDepsg