Otago seasonal flu vaccination rates are up by about 4800 compared with last year, and are likely to rise further as the vaccinations are now free.
To the end of June, 41,680 doses of the seasonal flu vaccine had been given in Otago, compared with 36,850 for the corresponding period last year and 36,400 the year before.
Although free vaccinations are usually limited to the elderly and those who have certain chronic health conditions, the Government announced this week that anyone will be able to receive a free vaccine.
The Ministry of Health has bought an extra 125,000 doses which are available from now until September or until they run out.
Otago-Southland medical officer of health Dr John Holmes said seasonal flu in Otago had yet to peak.
If people received a vaccination against the seasonal flu it would be a couple of weeks before it was considered effective, he said.
Dr Holmes was not issuing advice to any particular group. It was available to anyone who felt they wanted it, he said.
The increase in vaccinations was likely to be due to increased awareness of flu as a result of the swine flu epidemic.
Otago District Health Board staff vaccinations were also up this year, he said.
They were taken up by about 40% of staff which was better than last year, but not as high as it was during concerns about the severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars) several years ago.
• The Ministry of Health has also ordered 300,000 doses of an unlicensed pandemic influenza vaccine from Baxter Healthcare Ltd for an undisclosed price.
This vaccine, which is expected to be given in two doses, would be offered to workers in essential services who would have contact with people with the flu.
