Still time to get influenza jab

There is still time to get a flu shot this winter.

Northlanders, including many health workers, are getting immunised against influenza as flu cases around the county continue to rise.

Ministry of Health figures showed 35,440 influenza vaccines had been distributed in the Northland District Health Board (DHB) area so far this year.

The ministry said that referred to the number of vaccine doses sent to vaccinators and was the closest approximation it had to the number of shots given.

Northland DHB clinical director Dr Alan Davis said the area was tracking to give the same number of vaccinations as last year's 37,850. This year's immunisation season started a little later than last year's, he said.

Dr Davis said 70 per cent of Northland DHB staff had been vaccinated, against a target of 75 per cent. That was up from 54 per cent last year.

"Our focus is on protecting our patients, putting patients first."

He said Ministry of Health surveillance suggested influenza hadn't yet peaked this winter.

Dr Davis said last year's flu season went on until October and it wasn't too late for locals to get vaccinated.

"To help ensure people have the protection they need we are extending the funded vaccination season until August 31."

Ministry of Health figures show 1,188,152 vaccines had been distributed nationwide at July 16, close to the target of 1.2 million.

According to the Institute Of Environmental Science and Research's latest influenza weekly update, 168 consultations for flu-like illnesses were reported from 56 general practices nationwide in the week to July 12. Hawkes Bay had the highest consultation rate.