More people in Canterbury have had the flu shot, than in any other part of the country.

Data shows around 36 percent of the local population have gone for the jab.

It's also more than the end of season totals, for the previous three years.

Canterbury District Health Board Medical Officer of Health, Dr Ramon Pink says it's not too late

"Typically we see a rise in late July, early August after the school holidays, so this is a good opportunity to take up the offer of the vaccine."

Pink says some people who get the flu may only suffer mild symptoms and not realise they're infected but still pass it on to others.