Most of the 1531 people in Otago and Southland who received the single-strain swine-flu vaccine were healthcare workers.
Figures released by Public Health South last week showed that 972 healthcare workers and 559 patients considered at increased risk from the illness took the first dose of the two-dose vaccine.
Otago and Southland Medical officer of health Dr Marion Poore said 773 of these took the second dose, while others opted to use the new multi-strain seasonal vaccine as their second dose.
This single-dose vaccine arrived earlier than expected and is designed to protect against H1N1 plus two other influenza strains.
Dr Poore said having 1500 people take up the monovalent vaccine was a great effort.
"We are really pleased people are taking the influenza immunisation seriously."
Balclutha GP Dr Branko Sijnja said last week the early arrival of the seasonal vaccine had caused some confusion in a clinic in the town.
Some people had received the first dose of the monovalent vaccine which could be followed by the second dose, or they could choose to have the seasonal vaccine instead of the second single-strain dose.
Differing opinions had been given about the desirable gap between two such vaccinations and he had eventually established it should be four weeks rather than the three which would apply to those having the two-dose single-strain vaccine.
More than 100 appointments had to be changed to allow for the longer gap, which had involved bringing in extra staff.
The situation had not resulted in any vaccine wastage, he said.
Dr Poore said those wanting the seasonal flu vaccination could get it from their general practices and in some places it was being offered in the workplace.
The people considered most at risk of H1N1 are those under 65 with underlying chronic illness, pregnant women, children under 5 and the obese (with a body mass index of more than 35).
People in the groups mentioned, along with those over 65, qualify for free vaccinations.
