Get vaccinated, be cautious this Eid Wednesday, 12 May 2010 10:24

Get vaccinated, or be exposed to the risk of H1N1 infection – that is the message health authorities, here and world over, have been trying to instill in public consciousness over the past few months. It is a pity many among us remain sceptical about the swine flu shots. And that despite Qatar being one of the few countries in the world to procure the vaccine before their populations are exposed to a massive outbreak of the disease.

Let’s not forget that by not getting the vaccine we would not only be exposing our lives, but also put the lives of others to danger.

The authorities have rightly chosen the Eid Al Adha holidays to launch the mass vaccination campaign – a time people are at a higher risk of infection as they gather to celebrate. People cared little about appeals for caution during last Eid against the practice of kissing and hugging on the Eid day.

Traditions, it hardly needs  emphasising, must be valued.

There should be safer ways to exchange love and affection at a time of pandemic. Prevention is better than cure, as they say. But even cure would not be possible when things go out of control.