Pregnant women and pensioners have been urged to follow in the footsteps of more than one million people in NSW and get the influenza vaccine.
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More than one million shots have been delivered in NSW ahead of the launch of the state's winter influenza campaign on Wednesday.
The Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) say pregnant women, young children, the elderly and all Aboriginal people will be a major focus of this year's flu campaign.
"With more than 9,600 confirmed influenza cases in NSW already this year, people should not delay and organise their flu jabs either at the GP or pharmacist," WNSWLHD Public Health Manager, Priscilla Stanley said.
"One million flu vaccines have now been delivered across the state."
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Free flu vaccines are available for pregnant women, Aboriginal people, those aged over 65, and anyone with medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease.
Hospitalisation rates for influenza are highest in young children with recent national figures showing about 100 per 100,000 in those aged six to 23 months.
Ms Stanley reminded people of the importance of receiving an annual influenza vaccination as the best means of protecting yourself.
"While we might all take flu for granted as a common winter disease, it can be deadly," Ms Stanley said.
"In 2017, we had a significant flu season where more than 650 people died across the state.
"We cannot afford to be complacent."
The NSW Government has invested about $130 million in the 2018-19 Immunisation Program budget, including Commonwealth and state vaccines.
Free flu vaccines for children aged from six months to under five years of age are being provided under the NSW Government's $2.6 million program.
In addition to booking a flu shot, people are reminded that to help reduce the spread of flu, sneeze into your elbow, wash your hands regularly and stay home if sick
