FAQs
Find here the answers to our most frequently asked questions about our services.
How do you catch the flu?
Influenza (flu) spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, or laughs, releasing tiny droplets containing the virus, which can then be inhaled by people nearby. Or by touching a surface contaminated with the virus then touching their face.
What are the symptoms of the flu?
Influenza is not just a ‘bad cold’. Although some symptoms are similar, influenza is usually much more severe, often has a sudden onset, and can have more serious consequences. Flu may include any or all of the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- Dry cough
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Vomiting and diarrhoea
- Lack of energy – may be severe and last for two or more weeks
Where can I find more information about the flu and the influenza vaccination?
The following NZ websites have reliable and credible information:
What’s in the 2026 flu vaccine?
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has announced the strains for the 2026 Southern Hemisphere influenza vaccine.
WHO recommends that trivalent vaccines for use in the 2026 southern hemisphere influenza season contain the following:
Egg-based vaccines:
- an A/Missouri/11/2025 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus;
- an A/Singapore/GP20238/2024 (H3N2)-like virus; and
- a B/Austria/1359417/2021 (B/Victoria lineage)-like virus.
Cell culture-, recombinant protein- or nucleic acid-based vaccines:
- an A/Missouri/11/2025 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus;
- an A/Sydney/1359/2024 (H3N2)-like virus; and
- a B/Austria/1359417/2021 (B/Victoria lineage)-like virus
I’m pregnant, is it safe for me to get the flu vaccine?
Yes, the flu vaccine can be safely given at any stage of pregnancy.
How long does the flu vaccine take to work?
It takes up to 2 weeks after vaccination for the body to start protecting against flu.
What type of vaccine is administered by LifeCare in 2026?
At LifeCare, we administer an egg-based influenza vaccine. In line with World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendations, the 2026 vaccine will be trivalent.
If you receive a LifeCare flu voucher from your employer, you can discuss with the pharmacist which vaccine type is covered by the voucher. Please note that alternative flu vaccine options may incur an additional cost, which would be payable by the voucher holder.
How long will the flu shot last?
The effectiveness of the flu vaccine declines over time. However, it provides protection for up to 6 months on average.
I got a flu voucher from work, where can I redeem it?
You can redeem your LifeCare flu voucher at over 400 medical centres and pharmacies nationwide.
See all the sites where you can redeem your vouchers here.
Do I need the flu shot if I have had the Covid-19 vaccine? Will the shots interfere with each other?
The flu and COVID-19 are different diseases, so you need both vaccines to be protected from each one. A flu shot provides a specific ‘key’ that unlocks a strengthened immune response to protect against influenza. And a COVID-19 vaccine provides a different ‘key’ that also unlocks a strengthened immune response to protect against COVID-19. There is no master key that works for all viruses, so getting vaccinated against both infectious diseases will help keep you healthy. Getting the flu shot will not counteract the effects of the COVID-19 vaccine.
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At LifeCare we are available to answer any of your queries.
So please get in touch if you have a question about any of our training or health services.
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