24 April 2018 - Health authorities are bracing for a potentially deadly flu season in New Zealand this winter after a deadly strain hit the northern hemisphere.

Pharmac has rejected calls for free flu jabs for "super spreader" children, despite evidence showing it could save lives.

District health board (DHB) general managers had asked the Government drug-buying agency to consider a free influenza immunisation programme for New Zealand children, in the wake of a deadly virus strain in the northern hemisphere.

PHARMAC said no, as the request came too late. The agency ordered the vaccine six months in advance.

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