The number of influenza vaccines distributed in Otago this year to the end of June is 4780 more than the number for the corresponding time last year.
Otago-Southland medical officer of health, Dr Marion Poore, said there had been a good uptake of the vaccine.
Figures from the National Influenza Strategy Group show that 46,460 doses were distributed in Otago this year to the end of June compared with 41,680 last year.
The Ministry of Health vaccination programme which allows some people to receive free vaccinations has been extended to the end of July.
Dr Poore said people who were interested should contact their local general practice.
She strongly encouraged people to have the vaccination, which includes protection against the H1N1 strain, particularly if they had underlying medical conditions.
Those considered at risk from the H1N1 virus include women who are pregnant or recently pregnant, young children, severely overweight people and those with underlying medical conditions.
A Bay of Plenty woman is believed to be the country's first death from swine flu this year, NZPA reported.
The woman, whose details have not been released, died from complications from the H1N1 virus, after being in hospital for "a few weeks", Bay of Plenty District Health Board medical officer of health Phil Shoemack told the Bay of Plenty Times.
So far this year, four people around the country have been treated in intensive-care units for swine flu, said the Ministry of Health's director of public health Mark Jacobs.
"Overall, influenza activity continues to increase and is at the level usually seen at this time of year."
Swine flu is now the most common influenza virus circulating around the globe and 80% of all influenza cases in New Zealand are likely to be H1N1.
In most people it is a mild to moderate illness.
Last year, the first year swine flu appeared, 20 deaths were attributed to it but it is believed another 15 could be put down to the virus.
In 2006, the total number of deaths from seasonal flu-like illness, including pneumonia, was estimated at 479.
