There have been more than 9600 confirmed influenza cases in NSW already this year, including 28 cases in Lithgow.

One million flu vaccines have now been delivered across the State and 3000 of those have been administered to people within the Lithgow local government area.

Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District Director of Public Health, Associate Professor Bradley Forssman, says free flu vaccinations were available to many people in the community.

"Getting a yearly flu shot is one the best ways to protect yourself from the flu," he said.

People are encouraged to contact their GP or local pharmacist to talk about getting their flu shot.

In NSW, free flu vaccines are available for pregnant women, Aboriginal people, those aged over 65, children aged six months to five years and anyone with medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease.

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Associate Professor Forssman said other ways to help stop the spread of colds and flu were to stay home from work or school when you're unwell, avoid visiting elderly relatives when you're sick, washing your hands regularly, using tissues and sneezing into your elbow not your hands.

Hospitalisation rates for influenza are highest in young children with recent national figures showing about 100 per 100,000 in those aged six to 23 months.

Don't take flu for granted as a common winter disease, it can be deadly. In 2017, more than 650 people died across the State.

Free flu vaccines for children aged from six months to under five years of age are being provided under the NSW Government's $2.6 million program.

The NSW Government has invested about $130 million in the 2018-19 Immunisation Program budget, including Commonwealth and state vaccines.