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March updates at OneCare Health
As we head into autumn, we’re excited to share updates from the team, and tips to keep you well.
Team updates – welcoming new faces
Welcome Priya – Registered Nurse
We are excited to welcome Priya to our Nursing team. Priya is a Registered Nurse dedicated to compassionate patient-centred care. Priya strives to turn every encounter with a patient into a moment of trust and empowerment, helping individuals to feel seen, heard and valued on their health journey.
When you attend your GP appointment, you may meet Priya first. She will take your vitals and make sure everything about you is up-to-date in our system.
Welcome Jasmine – Health Improvement Practitioner
We are excited to welcome Jasmine to the OneCare team. Originally from Fiji, Jasmine has lived in New Zealand for more than two decades. Jasmine's background includes social work, counselling, and community development, supported by qualifications in counselling, business, and naturopathy. Jasmine is passionate about wellness, alternative therapies, and supporting her community.
Jasmine provides support for concerns about mental health, addiction, managing long-term conditions and general wellbeing. Jasmine's service is FREE. Please call reception if you would like to book an appointment to see Jasmine. Your GP may refer you to Jasmine if they think her services may be beneficial to you.
General updates
Repeat prescription changes
The New Zealand Government has implemented a new policy allowing repeat medications to be prescribed for up to 12 months, but only when it's safe for you.
Some health conditions still need regular check-ups, often every 3–6 months
Certain medicines require blood tests or physical checks to make sure that the medication is right for you.
If you are overdue for a review, you must see your doctor before we can prescribe you more of your medication. These reviews make sure your treatment stays safe, effective, and right for you.
Flu vaccination and Covid booster
With the cold and flu season fast approaching, now is the perfect time to think about getting your flu vaccination. Because flu viruses change each year, the vaccine is updated annually – which means getting vaccinated every year gives you the best protection.
You can get your flu vaccination at any time, but we recommend getting it before winter, when flu is much more common and spreads more easily. The flu vaccine is free for certain patients. To find out more, see our website.
Now is also a good time to think about getting a Covid-19 booster vaccine to protect you and your whānau from Covid-19. A Covid-19 booster is an additional vaccine dose given after the primary vaccination course. Anyone aged 16 and over is able to get this vaccine, but it is particularly recommended for certain patients. See more information here. Covid-19 vaccinations are free for everyone aged 5 and over in New Zealand.
If you’d like to book your flu or Covid vaccination, or have any questions, please get in touch with our team – we’re here to help.
FREE mental wellbeing consults
Feeling the pressure of work, relationships or the seasonal blues? Our free mental health and wellness consults give you a safe space to talk and get support.
Book a free 30-minute consult by contacting reception – 09 550 2146 or email ocoreception@onecarehealth.co.nz.
HPV vaccine – early protection for youth
If you have children aged around 11 or 12, you may have heard about the HPV vaccine. This vaccine protects against the types of HPV that cause around 90% of HPV‑related cancers, including cervical and head and neck cancers. It is recommended at a younger age, as the vaccine works best when given early.
The HPV vaccine is free for anyone aged 9–27 who is eligible for publicly funded healthcare.
If your tamariki is aged 9 or older, talk to your doctor or nurse about getting them vaccinated.