Free flu vaccinations are being extended for another month to the end of August.

Health Minister Tony Ryall says the country is now "well and truly" into the winter flu season and levels are being closely monitored.

Free vaccinations are for people over 65, pregnant women and anyone with a chronic respiratory illness.

People living in Canterbury who are under 18 get them as well, a service introduced after the earthquakes when there was a flu spike in the region.

"The latest information from the Ministry of Health is that the number and timing of people presenting with flu is not abnormal," Mr Ryall said.

"I have checked with district health boards around the country and they've confirmed all hospitals have plans to deal with winter flu pressures."