With winter flu cases rising and the peak not yet reached, the Government has extended its seasonal influenza vaccine programme by one month – to finish the end of August.

The programme offers free vaccines for people aged 65-plus, pregnant women, people with long term health conditions, and children under five years who have been hospitalised for a respiratory illness.

The seasonal influenza vaccine programme has been extended by one month.

For everyone else aged six months or older, the vaccine is available for a small charge – either from general practices or local pharmacies offering vaccinations.

Making the announcement,Associate Health Minister Jo Goodhew says the programme was due to be funded until July 31.

'But our surveillance shows that winter flu cases are rising and have not yet peaked,” says Jo.

'As the peak is still to come hospitals are likely to see more people with the illness, so it is worthwhile to extend the funded vaccination season.”

Jo says this winter A-H1N1 appears to be the most common strain of influenza. 'This strain affects adults and young children more severely than other strains.”

The good news is the A-H1N1 strain is covered by the flu vaccine, says Jo. 'So it is yet another reason to get immunised if you haven't already.”

To date, almost 1.19 million flu vaccines have been distributed throughout the country, protecting more than one-quarter of New Zealand's population.

'Immunisation is something simple we can all do to protect ourselves and our families from a common, but serious winter illness,” says Jo.

For those already unwell, it's important to seek advice early from a doctor, nurse or by calling the Healthline on 0800 611 116.