Starship Hospital defers non-urgent cases due to increase in flu symptoms

Thursday 27 August 2026 · 3 outlets · 3 reports · updated Thu 27 Aug, 10:30am

Starship Children's Hospital is deferring less urgent cases to manage a high number of young children presenting with flu symptoms. Medical experts suggest that the free flu vaccine for children under five, announced for next year, will be vital in addressing this issue.

How they headlined it

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1. NZ HeraldThu 27 Aug, 7:31am

   Starship Hospital defers less urgent cases to cope with ‘flood’ of kids with flu symptoms (opens in new tab)

2. 1News via RNZThu 27 Aug, 9:16am

   Starship defers less urgent cases to cope with 'flood' of kids with flu (opens in new tab)

3. Otago Daily TimesThu 27 Aug, 10:30am

   Starship deferring cases amid 'flood' of kids with flu symptoms (opens in new tab)