New Cervical Screening Program

From 12th September 2023 the cervical screening program is changing to a more accurate and simpler test which will be every 5 years instead of every 3 years.

The new test involves a 'swab' rather than an internal examination.

This requires a nurses appointment instead of seeing the doctor. Please book an appointment with the nurse by ringing the surgery or booking through your patient portal.

This will attract our usual fee for a nurses appointment but there is funding to make this free for certain groups (eg, Maori, Pacific, Community Service Card Holders)

For more information on this new cervical screening test please click here.

Influenza Vaccinations

Flu vaccines will be available from 1^st April. As in previous years we will be running our popular drive by clinics (next clinic Saturday 13th April 9am - 12pm) as well as offering the vaccine with your usual face to face appointment or with the nurse.

The Flu vaccine is free for many people at higher risk of getting very sick including:

People aged 65 years and over.
People aged 6 months and over who have a long term medical condition.
Pregnant people.
Children aged 4 years and under with a history of significant respiratory illness.
People with significant mental health or addiction issues.

Flu vaccine can be given at the same time as other vaccines, including COVID-19.
Please call 03 358 8266 to book.
For more information on influenza vaccination click here

Covid Vaccines and Boosters

A new vaccine to combat the most prevalent strains of COVID-19 is now available. This is free for:

Anyone aged 30 and over
Pregnant women
Those aged 12-29 who are at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

You must be at least six months post your last COVID booster or infection to receive another booster. Book online or give us a call if you are not sure when your last dose was.

Meningitis B Vaccination (Bexsero)

We are very happy that the government has decided to fund this vaccine for all children under 5 years of age and for young people in boarding situations.

Meningitis can be caused by several bacteria and viruses and most of these are already included in the current childhood vaccines, however, previously there was no cover for the meningococcal B bacteria. This has now been included and the brand name for this vaccine is Bexsero.

If your child is under I year
these vaccines can start at age 3 months and can be given at the same time as the other usual childhood vaccines.
If your child is 1-5 years
they can start at any time.
If you are aged 13-25yrs
(inclusive) and are entering within the next three months, or are already living in boarding school hostels, tertiary education halls of residence, military barracks, or prison, the vaccine can be given now.

Please call 03 3588266 for more information or to book.
Paracetamol is recommended before this vaccine for children under 2 years of age.
For more information on Meningococcal vaccines click here

Measles Mumps and Rubella

Two doses of MMR (Measles Mumps and Rubella) vaccination are required for full protection.
If you are born between 1989 and 2004 there is a strong possibility that you have only had one vaccine.

The National Immunisation Register does not go back to 1989 so the only way to find out how many vaccines you have had is to look in your plunket book or to access your GP records from that time. Your GP records from that time may have been forwarded to your current GP but that is not always the case.

If you cannot establish if you have definitely had two MMR vaccines it is best and quite safe to have an extra vaccine, which is free.
Please call to book 033588266

New Virtual After Hours Care Option

When you are unwell out of our normal business hours, currently you would attend the Pegasus After-Hours clinic.
This option is still available but if you would prefer to be seen in the comfort of your own home we can now offer a new virtual after-hours consultation service for our patients. This is run by NZ registered general practitioners and known as "Practice Plus". They will keep us informed and send us details of their consultation with you

The service operates Weekdays 5-10pm and weekends 8am to 8pm.

There is the option to wait in line for the first available doctor, or to book a specific time slot (the cost is the same)

The pricing for the virtual consultation is as below.

14 years and over $65.00 ($19.50 with Community Services Card)
13 years and under $55.00 ($19.50 with Community Services Card)

On booking virtual appointments, you will be asked to enter your credit or debit card details, however your card will not be charged until your appointment is completed.

If you would like to know more about Practice Plus and how it works, please check out their website. There is a short video that explains how Practice Plus works https://practiceplus.nz/
There is also a frequently answered questions page.

To book your Practice Plus consult click here.
Please note that if you have our MyIndici patient portal you do not need to register with Patient Plus - you can use your MyIndici user name and password to access it.

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

For the latest New Zealand wide up to date information click here for the Ministry of Health website.

What should I do if I have a cough, cold or a fever?
Do not attend the surgery unannounced, if you or your child have a cough, cold, sore throat or fever. Please ring us first.
It is possible that your appointment will be initially be an assessment by video or telephone, or we may ask you to wait in your car when you arrive. This may be followed by a face to face review if deemed necessary.
You can also ring Healthline on 0800 358 5453 if you wish.

HPV vaccinations

The good news is that from January 2017 the government has decided to fund HPV vaccinations (Giardisil) for both boys and girls under the age of 27. It gives protection against various forms of cancer.

This vaccination is usually given at age 11 but can be given at any age if you or your child missed out.

The vaccine is highly recommended and for more information please visit the Canterbury District Health Board website, the Medsafe Govt website or talk to your nurse or doctor.

Please make an appointment for your HPV vaccination by calling 03 3588299 or by sending us a message

Kendal Medical Centre