Where to get help over the holidays

 Here’s how to get help over the holidays:   

• You can find general health information and advice online:
  www.healthify.nz or https://info.health.nz/
   
• Low or no data? Visit zero.govt.nz and click on the Healthify logo to browse for free. 
   
• If you prefer to kōrero: call Healthline on 0800 611 116 - 24/7, 365 days a year. Interpreter and NZ Relay support is available. They can also help you find health services if you’re away from home.
   
•  A new rural after-hours clinical teleheath is available. Call 0800 2 KA ORA (0800 252 672) 5-8pm on weekdays, and 24 hours a day on weekends and public holidays. 
   
• For tamariki under 5, call Plunketline on 0800 933 922 for free health advice 24/7, 365 days a year.  
   
• For COVID-19 advice, call the dedicated COVID-19 Healthline on 0800 358 5453 for free advice 24/7, even on public holidays like Christmas Day.  
   
• Call the COVID-19 Disability Helpline for free on 0800 11 12 13 or text 8988 - 24/7. This helpline can help with vaccines, testing, face mask exemptions, managing COVID-19 and any other disability related health concerns you may have. 
   
• Your local pharmacy can give advice on medicines and common issues like coughs and colds, bladder or eye infections, minor cuts and grazes, emergency birth control. They can suggest over-the-counter treatment, fill prescriptions, and some give immunisations. You can find local pharmacies on the Healthpoint website. 
   
• If you need to see a doctor, contact your usual healthcare provider to book an appointment.Check with them about their hours over the holiday period. If you’re away from home, you can find local GPs and pharmacies on the Healthpoint website. 
   
• In an emergency dial 111. Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora hospitals across the motu will continue to provide critical and emergency care 24/7 as usual.