Combined Pensioners and Superannuants Association Griffith president Peter Knox said he knows of many "very desperate" pensioners who simply can't afford to heat their homes.

The latest kick in the ribs was a letter he'd received in the mail a few weeks ago, telling him his gas prices would be going up again.

The Labor-aligned Mr Knox was quick to point out that gas prices have been going up despite promises from the Liberal government that they would go down once the carbon tax was scrapped in 2014.

Soaring gas prices mean he's stopped using the gas heating, opting instead for a small tower heater next to his bed.

"You can't afford to put the gas on; it's prohibitive," Mr Knox said.

"The cost of living just keeps going up and up and up."

But he insists that he's one of the more fortunate ones, especially compared to some other pensioners who are having a much harder time.

"I'm lucky to have a very good family, but I know other pensioners who don't have anyone to support them, and they are very desperate," he said.

He said the recent council rate increases didn't help, nor did the NSW Budget which had "virtually nothing" for pensioners.

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Elderly people, as it is often reported, are more likely to die in the winter due to illnesses such as the flu.

The latest figures show 3796 flu cases in the week of June 16 and one additional death of a person over 65 years, bringing the annual total to 50 confirmed deaths.

NSW Health Director of Communicable Disease Dr Vicky Sheppeard is urging people to get their flu vaccinations, which are free for people over the age of 65.

"There has been strong demand, but there are sufficient supplies of free Government-funded vaccines available for eligible people," she said.

Under the government's National Immunisation Program, 2.37 million doses of government-funded flu vaccines have been distributed across NSW, including 1.17 million doses for people 65 years and over.

"If you are unwell with the flu, stay at home and minimise contact with other people if possible, especially those who are particularly vulnerable, such as young children and the elderly," Dr Sheppeard said.

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