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NEWS ROUNDUP Pneumonia Vaccine Funding It is important our members stay well, particularly through the winter months. It is recommended that individuals with neuromuscular conditions receive vaccination for prevention of pneumococcal diseases, such as pneumonia, due to increased risk of not only becoming unwell but also the increased risk of complications if there is an inability to cough and clear the airways effectively. Pneumococcal vaccines are fully funded for children under 5 however government funding is not generally available for older children and adults. For this reason, you may not be eligible to receive a funded vaccine through your local general practice (GP). Because cost is a barrier to having the vaccine, MDANZ has a reimbursement programme available to members who have a neuromuscular condition. MDANZ will reimburse you the cost of receiving the Pneuomvax 23 vaccine at your local GP. Simply go online to complete the reimbursement form with your details, attach your receipt and you will be reimbursed within five working days. www.mda.org.nz/What-We-Offer/ Pneumonia-Vaccine-Funding Funded Mobility Equipment Repairs Programme At Independent Living Services (ILS), they’re committed to making daily living easier for disabled people and whānau through assistive products, services and support. They’ve received some funding to repair mobility equipment for free for anyone who can’t afford the cost of repairs. We know there is equipment out in the community which needs to be repaired but the cost of the repair is prohibitive for our low-income whānau and older people living on a pension. ILS can fix it for free to get you mobile! It’s a fantastic service. Equipment can be dropped to one of our stores in Browns Bay, Royal Oak and Botany or they can collect and drop off (within the Auckland area as the repairs team are based in East Tāmaki). They can pretty much fix any type of mobility equipment, but don’t work on ACC or Health NZ equipment as they have their own repairs process. The most common pieces of equipment they see are walkers, wheelchairs, scooters, etc. Check out more info on this great service on our website at https://ilsnz.org/pages/funded-repairs . Or if you would like to know more about this service you can email us at repairs@ilsnz.org or call the team for more info on 0800 625 100.