Martin Johnston writes in the New Zealand Herald that the Ministry of Health is urging people to get their flu shots soon, in light of their prediction that flu could begin surfacing again by the end of this month.
It is hoped that such behaviour could give New Zealand its best chance to getting through the flu season as gently as possible.
An excerpt: (read in full here)
“The second wave is expected so soon because of the experience of the Northern Hemisphere late last year in its autumn and winter.
“”The indications from the Northern Hemisphere are that if we are going to get a second wave, it’s likely to start quite early in autumn – in March or April,” said the ministry’s director of public health, Dr Mark Jacobs.
“The injection, licensed for use on those over 6 months old, is state-funded for the elderly, young children at high health risk and people with any of a range of listed health conditions. The programme runs until the end of June.”