LOS ANGELES, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- The National Influenza Vaccination Week, which begins on Sunday, is a good time for residents to get the flu shot or the nasal spray, Los Angeles health officials said.

    "Increased supplies of H1N1 flu vaccine in L.A. County have allowed us to make the vaccines available to almost everyone over the age of 6 months," said Dr. Jonathan E. Fielding, director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH).

    Flu season does not end with the holidays, but continues through the winter and spring months, he said.

    "Residents who may have held off on receiving vaccine, either because it was not available or because they were not in a priority group, should take the time now to protect themselves from influenza," said Fielding.

    According to the health department, flu is unpredictable. While current levels of flu activity in Los Angeles County appear to be normal for this time of year, there is always the possibility that a third wave of H1N1 flu might strike, or that seasonal flu cases may increase.

    "Influenza remains active in L.A. County and most people are still susceptible to becoming ill," Fielding said.

    "Flu season typically lasts until May. In fact, the H1N1 virus was not detected in the U.S. until late April of last year, which means that another increase in flu activity is certainly possible."

    The National Influenza Vaccination Week is a national observance that was established to highlight the importance of continuing influenza vaccination, as well as fostering greater use of flu vaccine after the holiday season into January and beyond.

    Influenza vaccination is the best way to prevent influenza and its severe complications.