FREE FLU VACCINATIONS

Pregnant women and people aged 65 and older will have access to free flu vaccinations at selected Unichem & Life community pharmacies across New Zealand. The vaccinations will be available from April 1 following an announcement from government drug agency Pharmac. Influenza, or the flu, can be a serious illness to people of all ages. More than 1.2 million New Zealanders are vaccinated annually and in 2016, figures showed 67 per cent of over 65 year olds and 18 per cent of pregnant women received a flu vaccination. Details of people who receive the free flu vaccine in pharmacies are made available to their GP.

REDUCING DOG ATTACKS

Owners of pitbulls and other menacing dogs are the target of a new de-sexing drive aimed at reducing dog attacks on Aucklanders. Auckland Council launched a free texting campaign offering free de-sexing until June 30. Dogs must be registered and classified as menacing under the Dog Control Act 1996. Dog owners simply text the word ‘‘Yes’’ to 3169 to say they’re interested. De-sexing menacing dogs is a key component of reducing dog-related harm, according to Auckland Council Community Development and Safety Committee. With the new text-in service the council hopes to reach more Aucklanders, particularly those without access to computers or with fewer English language skills.

SWAPPING TREASURES ONLINE

Auckland Council and community social website Neighbourly have created a space for Aucklanders to offer unwanted items to people in their neighbourhood. The newly created section of the website aims to boost Auckland Council’s inorganic collection service. Auckland Council encourages residents to sell or donate their unwanted reusable items throughout the year rather than store items for an annual collection. Neighbourly will also notify members of upcoming collections in their area to encourage residents to use the tool to book their inorganic collection.