Pharmac wants to make flu vaccines more accessible to Maori and Pasifika

It says about 39-thousand aged 55-to-64 are not currently eligible ? and would benefit from widening the funding.

Concerns are rising over reopening the borders - and a lack of exposure to the flu in the past two years.

Director of Operations Lisa Williams says they want to ensure vulnerable people are vaccinated to reduce the burden on the stretched health system.

If approved ? funded access would be available from April 1.