New Zealanders are being told to prepare for a wave of non-Covid illnesses

With winter approaching, GP's say influenza is likely to make an appearance for the first time in a couple of years.

Ministry of Health figures show 736-thousand flu vaccines have been administered so far - fewer than 15 percent of the population.

General Practice New Zealand Chair Jeff Lowe says people should prepare for the worst and get vaccinated.

He says we don't want to be dealing with another wave of Covid-19, as well as influenza.