Influenza A/H1N1 vaccine doses are expected to run out by the end of this month in New Zealand, according to local media Tuesday.

Six deaths are being linked with the pandemic Influenza A/H1N1 this winter in New Zealand and 389 people have been hospitalized with the virus.

The deaths of a 22-year-old Hawkes Bay man, a 44-year-old Christchurch woman, a 48-year-old Tauranga woman, 51-year-old Northland man and a 38-year-old Wellington man a have all been reported linked to the flu.

However, the New Zealand Ministry of Health is not offering comment on details of the sixth death.

Four of the six deaths are still being investigated by the coroner.

Ministry of Health Director of Public Health Mark Jacobs estimated that there are only 6,400 vaccinations left in New Zealand and the ministry are looking at options for extending immunization while demand continued.

"It"e;s important to book in to get immunized now, as it takes up to a fortnight for the vaccine to offer its full level of protection," he told the New Zealand Press Association (NZPA).

He said that young children needed a longer time as they required two doses a month apart to be assured of best protection.

The influenza hot line Healthline, receives about 1,400 calls each day during the weekend and average call volumes were running nearly 35 percent higher than normal seasonal levels.

Last year, 35 deaths were linked to Influenza A/H1N1.

Source: Xinhua