A national shortage meant restrictions were placed on the influenza vaccine last month, but the Health Minister today announced 55,000 more doses will be available to the public from the week of July 15.

Dr Stephen Bridgman, clinical director of public health from the Nelson-Marlborough DHB, says the flu has been more prevalent this season.

He says there've been higher rates of the flu than in the last few years.

Bridgman encourages anyone more vulnerable to the flu to get their vaccination if they haven't already.