Waikato residents eligible for a free influenza jab have less than a month to be vaccinated.
The taxpayer-subsidised, free vaccination campaign ends on July 31.
Waikato District Health Board medical officer of health Dr Felicity Dumble reports a record-setting season with about 94,020 Waikato residents vaccinated this year.
"Compared to last year, that's an increase of more than 22,000 vaccinations in our region."
The Chiefs, some partners and their children were among residents to seek flu protection via vaccination earlier in the year, reinforcing the key message that no one is 'too fit to get hit'.
Nationally flu vaccinations are also at their highest, with about 1.24 million New Zealanders vaccinated as of June 21. About 640,000 of those eligible for the free vaccination have taken up the offer so far.
Dr Dumble is concerned many vulnerable people are unprotected.
"We are coming into the period where the flu usually starts to rise rapidly and it can take up to two weeks to develop protection after vaccination," she says.
"People at greatest risk from flu complications should follow the example of the other 94,020 flu-protected Waikato residents and be immunised as soon as possible."
Influenza immunisation is free from a GP or nurse until the end of July for New Zealanders at high risk of complications - pregnant women, people aged 65 and over, and for people of any age with long-term health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease (including asthma), kidney disease and most cancers.
Anyone who wants to be immunised against influenza after July 31 will have to pay a small charge to get it from their doctor, nurse or in some pharmacies. Dr Dumble says influenza shouldn't be confused with common colds or other respiratory viruses often seen at this time of year.
"Influenza is a serious disease, especially for people with underlying medical conditions. It can make their condition much worse and lead to hospitalisation and even death. Influenza usually has symptoms such as a sudden onset of illness, high fever, headache, a dry cough and usually lasts 7-10 days."
Advice about influenza immunisation at www.fightflu.co.nz or text FLU to 515 or go to www.waikatodhb.health.nz/flu. For free health advice, call Healthline on 0800 611 116.