Statistics from the state government show 64 reports of influenza in Greater Bendigo area from the period from January 1 to April 8.

The same time period in 2018 had just 10 reports of influenza.

Increases were also noticed in pertussis (whooping cough) with 30 cases reported to April 8, 2019. In 2018, 10 cases were reported from January to April 8.

"Bendigo Health has noticed an increase in interseasonal Influenza A presentations over the summer and the early autumn period," a Bendigo Health spokesperson said.

"But (Bendigo Health) has not seen an increase in Whooping Cough (and) no local cases of measles have been reported.

"Whooping cough, influenza and measles can be prevented through timely and repeat vaccinations. The 2019 Influenza vaccine is now available from GPs and some pharmacies."

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Bendigo Health's comments come as the state government said it has ordered record quantities of the flu vaccine.

Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos on Thursday launched a campaign to encourage Victorians to get their flu shot.

More than two million free vaccinations are expected to be administered before the flu season takes hold.

In 2018, central Victorian pharmacists and councils ran low on stock as demand for flu shots skyrocketed.

"We're making the flu shot free for kids under five, because vaccination is safe, effective and it saves lives," she said.

"Coming down with the flu is not like catching a cold. It hits you quickly and hard, and it can last for weeks. And for some people, it can be deadly."

Pregnant women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, Victorians with a chronic condition and Victorians over the age of 65 are also eligible for a free flu vaccination as part of the National Immunisation Program.

In 2017, more than 48,000 Victorians were diagnosed with influenza. That number was reduced to 11,612 in 2018.

Flu diagnoses in the state this year are already triple what they were compared with the same time last year.

Flu symptoms can include a sudden high fever, headache, body aches and feeling extremely weak or tired. For children, the elderly or people with a weakened immune system, the flu can have devastating outcomes.

Anyone who thinks they have the flu should visit their doctor, a pharmacist, or call Nurse-On-Call on 1300 60 60 24.

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