An expert's emphasising the importance of vaccines while influenza rates are high

Science Media Centre data show more people are being hospitalised for influenza compared with in winters five years pre-covid.

And weekly Healthline calls with influenza-like symptoms are higher now than in that same period

University of Otago Department of Public Health Professor Michael Baker, says vaccine coverage is lower than what he'd hoped for.

Professor Baker says there are many contributing factors, but not getting the vaccine is a missed opportunity.