Canterbury doctors are encouraging all Canterbury populace who run the risk of complications from influenza to get themselves vaccinated for the virus, following the detection of swine flu in 10 people in South Canterbury and four in Rakaia.

Free influenza vaccination is yet to be made available to pregnant women in any trimester, kids aged less than five, people with long-standing medical conditions, those who are obese and anyone aged over 65 years.

Any other individual who wants to get vaccinated for the flu this year should visit their GP and need to pay for the service. The vaccination provided this year comprises protection against swine flu and the most general seasonal influenza strains.

Maori and Pacific Island people with chronic conditions are specially urged to get vaccinated.

Canterbury's Pacific Island community was affected badly with influenza the preceding year as compared with the rest of the populace, General Practitioner Dr. Phil Schroeder said.

Canterbury's flu season seems to have started later than primarily predicted. People who think they are vulnerable to get affected with the virus should immediately get an appointment to get vaccinated.