"The strain; A (H3N2), has historically been associated with higher morbidity and mortality, especially for those over 65 years old.
"Influenza targets every age group, even if you are fit and healthy; particularly at risk are those with medical conditions and pregnant women."
Ms Tyacke said more people were getting immunised in Wairarapa due to raised awareness of the virus and its severity.
"The general view in the Wairarapa is positive for immunisation, to keep themselves and their families healthy. More people are getting the vaccinations now as a result of more awareness about influenza in the community.
"The ministry is focusing on awareness-raising via TV, radio and promotional resources which have been distributed in the Wairarapa," she said.
This year's manufacture and distribution of the vaccination has been delayed by a month while two new strains of the influenza virus are added to it.
Ministry of Health chief medical officer Don Mackie said the vaccination would be more effective.
"This year's southern hemisphere vaccines contain two new strains, to give better protection against the influenza strains that have been circulating around the world through the northern hemisphere winter," he said.
"We hope the improved southern hemisphere vaccines will avoid the difficulties the US, United Kingdom and Europe have had with a poor match for the H3N2 component of the vaccine."
Nationwide, 1,206,573 flu vaccinations were distributed in 2014 - a drop from the 1,253,578 in 2013. In 2012, there were 1,002,210 vaccinations.
Mr Mackie said the ministry would focus on groups more susceptible to the virus in an effort to boost immunisation numbers.
"Those groups are over-65s; people with chronic health conditions who will be at higher risk of complications; and then children with chronic illnesses. The other group we are looking at is health professionals, particular those who are working with susceptible patients." he said.
The Ministry of Health expects vaccines to be with GPs early next month.
