Patients worried as flu vaccines disappear from medical stores
Several families have been unable to purchase influenza vaccines from medical stores, raising concerns about protection against seasonal flu, especially for elderly people.
Citizens struggle to find flu vaccines
Many residents in the federal capital say they have been searching for flu vaccines for weeks without success. The shortage has become a concern as temperatures begin to fall and the risk of seasonal influenza increases.
Naeem Ahmed, a resident of Islamabad, told Dawn that he had been trying to find a flu vaccine for his mother for the past month. He said he had arranged the vaccination for her every October for several years.
“I have been administering the vaccine to my mother for the last many years, but unfortunately this year it seems that my mother will become vulnerable to influenza as the vaccine may remain unavailable,” he feared.
Another resident, Sohail Jamil, also reported difficulties in finding the vaccine. He said he had visited several medical stores but was told that flu vaccines were not available.
Popular flu vaccine brands unavailable
A pharmacist, who requested anonymity, said three major flu vaccine brands were commonly sold in Pakistan. These included China's Sinovac, France's Vaxigrip and America's Influvac.
However, the pharmacist said none of these vaccines had been available this year. He added that demand usually increases before winter, particularly among elderly people.
“I used to sell at least 1,500 shots in October, but this year I could not arrange a single one,” he said. He explained that September and October are considered suitable months for vaccination before seasonal flu cases begin to increase.
The pharmacist also raised concerns about possible online fraud linked to the shortage. He claimed that some agents had started taking advance payments for vaccines through online bookings but failed to provide the doses.
DRAP promises vaccine supply by November 15
The shortage has raised concerns among families who depend on annual flu vaccination to protect vulnerable members. The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says seasonal flu vaccination is the best way to reduce the risk of influenza and its serious complications.
Speaking to Dawn, Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) Chief Executive Officer Dr Obaidullah Malik said China's Sinovac vaccine would be available by November 15. This announcement has raised hopes that supplies will improve in the coming days.
Virionza vaccine faces price controversy
Meanwhile, another issue has emerged over the price of Virionza, an inactivated seasonal influenza vaccine. Although the vaccine is available, a difference has been reported between the price printed on its packaging and the price shown through its barcode.
The packaging lists the maximum retail price (MRP) as Rs1,304. However, scanning the barcode on the same pack shows a price of Rs654, which is almost 50% lower.
DRAP introduced barcodes on medicines to help consumers check their actual prices. The system is also intended to prevent pharmaceutical companies from charging more than the officially approved prices.
The flu vaccine shortage in Islamabad has created difficulties for families, especially those trying to protect elderly people before winter. The promised arrival of Sinovac could provide some relief if supplies reach medical stores on time.
The price difference reported for Virionza also needs attention from the relevant authorities. Clear pricing and regular vaccine supplies are important to protect consumers and maintain public trust.
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