Editorial: Local flu jabs uptake timely

THE issue of whether to vaccinate is one which has always had a certain degree of controversy attached to it.
While medical practitioners are almost united in their view that people should be vaccinated against illnesses such as influenza, there are also plenty of people who prefer to take their chances without vaccination, relying instead on a combination of a good diet and otherwise healthy living.
Those who fall on the "pro" side of the debate will doubtless be pleased by the news that Wanganui residents appear to be embracing the idea of vaccination.
As reported in the Chronicle earlier this week, with a month to go until free flu vaccinations come to an end, it appears the uptake in Wanganui has been strong, particularly among people aged over 65.
What's more, the apparent uptake in vaccinations is timely.
We're now moving into the heart of winter, and after warmer than normal conditions so far, things are finally beginning to turn a bit chilly.
It's easy to see how complacency could slip back in to the public psyche, given the largely unrealised (in New Zealand at least) concerns over the H1N1, or "swine flu" virus.
But in these tough economic times, it will be interesting to see how many people continue to go down the immunisation route once the free offer expires.
YESTERDAY'S North Island earthquake, which was felt in Wanganui, is a timely reminder for households to ensure they are prepared in the event of a Christchurch-sized shake striking here.
We tend to feel a bit more secure, safely tucked away in our corner of the North Island, but the 6.5 jolt yesterday should at least ensure a few more homes now take the step of ensuring they have an emergency kit prepared - just in case. Luckily, it appears no-one was hurt and the shake caused next to no damage. But as the people of Christchurch will attest to, we may not be so lucky next time, and for that reason, there's no excuse not to be prepared.
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