Authorities both here and in Australia have been caught out by strong demand this year for flu vaccine, with New Zealand some weeks ago having to restrict use what was left of its stocks to the most at risk.
Health Minister David Clark today announced 55,000 more doses of vaccine would arrive in New Zealand next week, and will be available to the public from the week of July 15.
Having previously said it was unlikely more vaccine could be sourced from Australia due to demand there, the Ministry of Health and Pharmac eventually secured the extra doses from across the Tasman.
This year's flu season has so far seen a low rate of the disease, but more people have tested positive to the illness than normal.
The most recent ESR influenza reports have shown a slight rise in cases of the disease over the past fortnight.
