Otago-Southland medical officer of health Dr John Holmes said although the flu normally struck mostly between May and September, the earlier people got the vaccination, the better.
It takes two weeks for the vaccine to be fully effective.
Until the end of June, free vaccinations are available for those aged 65 and over, and for people under 65 with one of a variety of chronic illnesses, including heart disease, diabetes and respiratory disease.
Last year, when the flu was at its height in August, there was so much illness among teaching staff in Dunedin on some days, the relieving pool could not find enough replacements. The occurrence of flu for the region was not as high as it was in 2005, however.
Flu-vaccination rates in Otago last year were slightly down on the previous year with 36,460 doses administered.
Otago District Health Board infection prevention and control charge nurse manager Jo Stodart said rates of vaccination among health-care workers last year across the country had been only about 30%, and in Otago it had been under that.
Vaccination was both a patient-protection issue and a matter of keeping staff well. Many staff were fit, healthy people who might not suffer unduly from a bout of flu, but they could give it to sick, vulnerable patients. The vaccination offered a "double whammy'', she said. "It protects
staff and also protects patients.''
After four days of the board's campaign, about 10% of staff had had the vaccination and there was a fair bit of rivalry between various groups, the medical staff being slightly ahead of nurses at this stage.
The board's campaign, offering free vaccinations to all employees, will end on April 13. The board is also offering discounted vaccinations to its contractors.
The cost of the vaccine to people outside the hospital who do not qualify for a free shot, varies from $18 to more than $20. Student Health Services is offering it to students for $18.
