Unlike a common cold, influenza (flu) is a serious illness that affects millions of people globally, and young children, pregnant women, older adults and people with underlying medical conditions are particularly vulnerable. By joining the WellKiwis Household study, you and your whānau could help improve the health of New Zealand and the rest of the world, prevent future pandemics, develop more effective and longer-lasting flu vaccines and save lives.
What is the WellKiwis Household study?
The WellKiwis Household study aims to see how a person’s prior exposure to the flu virus (or vaccine) influences their ongoing immune responses to subsequent exposures to the flu. It will also help us understand how the flu and other respiratory viruses (including COVID-19) spreads from an infected person to others in a household setting.
Can my family take part in the study?
To join the study, we are looking for families:
The study will follow families for up to seven years.
The study is led by scientists at the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR).
Throughout the study, we ensure you and your whānau receive fantastic benefits.
What are the benefits of taking part in this study for my family?
The enrolment period for 2022 has now closed, if you would like to participate in 2023 you can register your households interest by clicking on the “join now” button below.
FAQs WellKiwis: Household study [PDF, 465 KB]
Study Timeline: WellKiwis Household study [PDF, 229 KB]
Participant Information sheet: Household study [PDF, 464 KB]
Participant Brochure: Household study [PDF, 2.5 MB]
If you have any questions or would like to speak to a member of the team, please contact us:
Email: wellkiwis@esr.cri.nz
Phone: 0800 493 555 (08004WELLKIWI)