Torbay & Long Bay Medical
Latest News
Welcome to the Torbay and Long Bay Latest News! We are excited to bring you the latest updates, health tips, and important information from our medical community. Our goal is to keep you informed about new services and health initiatives that matter to you. Thank you for joining us on this journey to better health and well-being!
Effective immediately: Expanded flu vaccine eligibility for children aged 6 months to under 5 years
Due to high rates of influenza-related presentations in primary care and hospitalisations among young children, funded influenza vaccination eligibility has been expanded to include all children aged 6 months to under 5 years of age effective from 01 September 2026.
The decision supports an urgent public health response to help reduce the burden of flu disease in young children and alleviate system pressures.
The New Zealand flu season started late and may go on longer than usual—it’s not too late for people to get vaccinated.
Flu Is Still Circulating — Are You Protected?
With influenza continuing to circulate in our community, we are receiving questions about whether people who have already had their flu vaccination need a second dose this season.
The most important message from Torbay Medical Centre is simple: if you haven’t had your flu vaccination yet, now is a good time to get protected. The 2026 influenza programme runs through to 31 December, and vaccination remains one of the best ways to reduce your risk of serious illness from influenza.
Flu can be much more than an unpleasant few days of cough, fever and fatigue. While vaccination cannot always prevent infection, it can reduce the risk of severe illness and complications. This is particularly important for older people, young children, pregnant people and those with certain health conditions.
Do I need a second flu vaccine?
For most adults, one influenza vaccination per season is recommended. Current IMAC guidance states that additional doses generally provide no significant added benefit for most people.
There are some exceptions. Two doses, given at least four weeks apart, are recommended for children under four receiving their first-ever flu vaccination and for people receiving their first influenza vaccination following certain transplants or CAR-T cell therapy. A second dose may also be appropriate in some other circumstances, such as pregnancy when a vaccination was received earlier in the season before becoming pregnant.
If you are unsure whether you need another vaccination, please talk to your healthcare provider.
Help protect our whānau and community
Vaccination is just one part of reducing the spread of influenza and other respiratory illnesses. Please stay home when you are unwell where possible, cover coughs and sneezes, wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. Wearing a mask in crowded indoor settings or when caring for someone with a respiratory illness can also help reduce transmission.
At Torbay Medical Centre, we encourage everyone who is eligible and has not yet had their flu vaccination this season to come and get vaccinated. Protecting yourself also helps protect your whānau, friends, neighbours and the wider Torbay community.
If you haven’t had your flu vaccine yet, please contact Torbay Medical Centre to find out about getting vaccinated.
Important update on HPV vaccination delivery from 1 July 2026
Health NewZealand I Te Whatu Ora has announced an important change to how human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination will be delivered through the School Based Immunisation Programme from next month.
From 27 July 2026, children will be offered one dose of the HPV vaccine (Gardasil9) at school, with parent or caregiver consent. HPV dose 2 will no longer be offered in schools from this date.
The approved HPV vaccination course in New Zealand is currently two doses for children aged 9 to 14 years. However, international studies show that a single dose provides 97-98% protection against HPV infection and HPV-related cancers.
Based on this evidence, the World Health Organization now recommends a single-dose HPV vaccination schedule. Many countries, including Australia and the United Kingdom, have already adopted this approach.
Note, a second HPV dose remains free and available through GPs, pharmacies and community health providers at least six months after the first dose, should it be requested by whānau.
This change will enable schools to prioritise increasing the uptake of HPV dose 1 (which is currently low) and other catch-up immunisations to address existing immunity gaps and maximise the impact of the programme.
From 27 July 2026 (Term 3), the School Based Immunisation Programme will deliver:
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HPV dose 1 (Gardasil9)
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Tdap (Boostrix)
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Catch-up measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) (Priorix)
NZ Diabetes
Change to screening guidelines from 1st July 2026
New Zealand’s diabetes diagnosis guidelines are changing to align with international standards.
What this means for you:
Diabetes is commonly diagnosed using a blood test called HbA1c, which measures your average blood sugar over the past 2-3 months.
The current updated NZ diagnostic framework:
HbA1c (main test used for diagnosis)
- Normal (no diabetes): < 42 mmol/mol
- Prediabetes: 42 - 47 mmol/mol (previously 41- 49)
- Diabetes: ≥ 48 mmol/mol (lowered from ≥ 50)
The threshold for diagnosing diabetes has been lowered. This means some people who were previously classified as having pre-diabetes may now be diagnosed with diabetes.
If this change affects you, there is no need to worry. Earlier diagnosis allows treatment and support to begin sooner, helping reduce the risk of long-term complications.
What is diabetes and pre-diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body cannot effectively control blood sugar levels. Over time, this can increase the risk of complications.
Pre-diabetes means blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet in the diabetes range. This is an important warning stage where lifestyle changes can often prevent progression to diabetes.
Managing blood sugar early can:
- Reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke
- Protect kidney health
- Prevent nerve damage and foot problems
- Reduce risk of vision loss
- Improve long-term energy and wellbeing
If you have been told you have pre-diabetes, or you are at increased risk of diabetes, we encourage you to book an appointment early. Support at this stage can often prevent progression to diabetes. At Torbay Medical Centre we will work with you.
Working alongside your doctor to support your diabetes care:
Diabetes Nurse
- Regular foot checks to detect early nerve or circulation changes
- Monitoring of blood sugar and cardiovascular risk
- Support with medications and care planning
- Ensuring appropriate referrals and ongoing follow-up
Health Coach / Health Improvement Practitioner
- One-on-one support for lifestyle change
- Help with goal setting and motivation
- Advice on nutrition, physical activity
- Ongoing encouragement and follow-up
Diabetes prevention works best as a partnership between you and your healthcare team. With early detection, lifestyle changes, and ongoing support, many people can delay or prevent type 2 diabetes.
If you would like support or more information, please contact the practice reception team.
If you are invited to a FREE diabetes annual review with the nurse, please book in. Your health is worth it.