Owing to the advent of the winter season, people have been asked to get immunized against the flu, which will soon start spreading in schools and offices.

Health Minister, Tony Ryall has stated that over a million vaccines will be distributed this season, as nearly 950,000 doses of the flu vaccine have since been distributed.

He also expressed that people needed to get immunized, though they were not aware of how expensive the flu is, as a study revealed that $100,000 was spent by the hospital care in Australia and New Zealand.

The flu vaccine this year, is said to protect against three strains of the virus, including the H1N1 pandemic, the seasonal H3N2 and B strains, which are anticipated to be in circulation this season.

Though the flu was said to be “a mild as well as moderate illness for most people”, the H1N1 swine flu pandemic displayed the potential severity of the virus, which could lead to critical complications or death.

However, the immunization is said to be free for anyone with a high risk of the flu, along with people over 65–years–old, those with long-term health conditions and pregnant women.

Also, free vaccines are reported to be available to anyone under the age of 18 in Canterbury, which is part of the response to the Christchurch earthquake.