The Murrumbidgee Local Health District promotion, held at the Wagga Bunnings store, was so popular that not everyone who had joined the queue was able to receive their vaccination as supplies were exhausted.

But it is not just in Wagga that there is surging demand for the vaccine.

Nationwide, there have been concerns about shortages, despite the federal Department of Health ordering more than 5.1 million doses for this flu season.

The department had anticipated an increase of 10 per cent over 2017 figures, but the actual demand has been much higher, after reports of a tough flu season in Europe.

NSW Health has reported a 30 per cent increase in demand, and the federal Department of Health has ordered additional supplies, which are expected to be available by early June.

However, Wagga residents should still be able to get a flu shot if they want one, director of the MLHD public health unit Tracey Oakman said.

Ms Oakman said Australian stocks had been depleted by the demand, but there was currently still vaccine available.

“Wagga people can still make an appointment with their GP, or go to a community pharmacy and get a flu shot,” she said. “It’s not too late to get vaccinated.”

A spokesperson for the Southcity Pharmacy said the increases in demand around Australia were reflected in what staff were experiencing.

She said there had been increased demand in people wanting to have the shot done at the pharmacy, and even just in the general interest shown by customers who had not come in specifically for the vaccination.

Ms Oakman said the vaccine currently being given to Australians was based on the flu seen in the Northern Hemisphere's last season.

“What we have seen so far are strains that are covered by the vaccine,” she said.

Ms Oakman said there had not yet been any noticeable increase in the number of flu cases reported in the region.