With the winter months approaching, Rotorua people are being urged to ensure they are protected from influenza.
Bay of Plenty medical officer of health Dr Phil Shoemack is encouraging people to get the flu vaccination, sooner rather than later.
"Every winter New Zealanders are hit with a significant increase in influenza. It does seem to be a seasonal problem, even though you can get influenza at any time of the year," he said.
"March is a good time to get vaccinations to make sure you are protected throughout the autumn and winter months."
Dr Shoemack said getting a vaccination was as much about protecting yourself as it was about protecting others.