Residents across the region are accessing their annual flu vaccine.
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Priceline Ararat pharmacist Maria Talavera said hundreds of people have already received the vaccination.
"From May 21, I have administrated 426 flu vaccines into people," she said,
"This figure is how many have come into the store to have their vaccination. It doesn't include prescriptions.
"The number is up from last year. In 2018 our data shows just over 400 people accessed the vaccine from the pharmacy."
Miss Talavera attributes the increase in vaccinations to the public's awareness.
"People more aware of the flu now because of the 2017 outbreak," she said.
"People are really eager to be vaccinated."
A Department of Health and Human Services spokesman said it expected to make more than two million doses of flu vaccine available to those eligible for free vaccinations.
"The flu vaccine changes every year to match different strains of the flu that are circulating. Even if you had the flu vaccine last year, it's important that you get it every year to make sure you're protected for this year's flu season," he said.
So far 10,683 confirmed flu cases were reported since the current season started late 2018.
This includes 26 in Horsham, four in Stawell and seven in Ararat. At the same time last year, there had only been three cases reported in these three areas combined.
Victorian Health Minister Jenny Mikakos blamed the early season on people travelling when the flu is at its peak in the northern hemisphere.
"We are seeing a lot of communicable diseases spread through overseas travel, that's certainly been the case in terms of measles cases and flu cases," Ms Mikakos said.
"We have seen a very significant summer flu season this year as a result of people coming back from the northern hemisphere with the flu and that spreading in the community."
Stawell resident Keith Lofthouse said he received the vaccine annually.
"The supply and the timing of the shots have always been erratic," he said.
"From memory, I have had the flu shot as early as February which I think would help with the widespread contamination.
"This year the vaccine wasn't available until April - it's strange why the period of time it is available changes so frequently and erratically and the supply as well."
Mr Lofthouse, 70, said he believed for many sufferers the vaccine arrives too late for those in need.
"The longer it takes, the further the risk of widespread contamination," he said.
"In past years, I have travelled to Ararat because the flu shot wasn't available in Stawell.
"Reports on the summer flu are quite concerning - it would of been helpful before the flu started spreading."
An avid runner, Mr Lofthouse said he was in "pretty good health".
"I've never had the flu because I have a flu shot every year," he said.
"I have had a history of heart trouble, so it's important I don't get the flu because it can weaken you.
"Many factors come into it. It's a godsend to be able to get a vaccine - when you can get it."
Stawell's Glen Skurrie said he doesn't receive the annual vaccination.
"I went to the doctors for a prescription with no other ailments," he said.
"I was offered the flu shot and got sick as hell. Now I'm too scared to have it again.
"I'll never have it again I know that."
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