It's set to be a tough winter for children as ESR reports a rise in RSV and Influenza B

It's the first time Influenza B has circulated significantly in New Zealand since 2019.

Certain areas like Counties Manakau, Waitemata and Hawkes Bay District have high rates.

Auckland University Senior Research Fellow Janine Paynter says the Government's extended free flu jabs to kids under 12.

She says she strongly recommends children get jabbed especially so they can prevent the disease from transmitting from schools to homes.