More than 400 extra influenza vaccines have been administered in Otago this year compared with the corresponding time last year.
National Influenza Strategy Group chairwoman Anne-Marie Frost said this week 35,950 doses had been administered, compared with 35,530 at the corresponding time last year.
In Southland, the numbers were also up, with 15,890 vaccines given compared with 15,410.
Nationally, there have been 12,000 more doses given this year, about a 2% increase on the corresponding period in 2007.
Weekly influenza surveillance reports, which record information from consultations by family doctors, show there has been little flu in Otago so far this season.
However, health officials warn the peak season may not be far away and say that rates are higher than for this time last year.
A rapid rise in cases from the end of June and another peak in July or August is common.
Ms Frost reminded people eligible for free vaccinations that they had until the end of this month to get them.
People aged 65 years and over qualify, along with people with certain chronic conditions.
The sooner people got vacci-nated the better, as it could take up to two weeks from vaccination to develop immunity, she said.
Last year, only 64% of over-65-year-olds and 38% of those with chronic conditions received the vaccine and it was hoped these numbers would be higher this year.
Influenza could be a serious and potentially fatal disease for people with heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease, kidney disease and most cancers.
