Citizens in Islamabad left hanging amid unavailability of influenza vaccines

As winter approaches, many families in Islamabad have struggled to obtain influenza vaccines. According to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, flu vaccines are crucial in reducing the risk of getting flu and its potentially severe complications. Naeem Ahmed, a local resident, expressed his frustration as he could not find the vaccine in stores despite having administered it to his mother for years.

Sohail Jamil also faced the same issue, searching various medical shops without success. A pharmacist, who wished to remain anonymous, revealed that three primary flu vaccines - Chinese Sinovac, French Vaxigrip, and American Influvac - were not available this year. The pharmacist claimed that some middlemen had started online bookings in the black market due to rumors of unavailability, but even they were unable to provide the vaccine.

The chief executive officer of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (Drap), Dr Obaidullah Malik, stated that the Chinese vaccine Sinovac would be available by November 15. However, the only available vaccine, Virionza, has been facing a price-related controversy due to a price discrepancy between the Drap-introduced barcode and the maximum retail price (MRP) listed on the pack.

Dr Malik admitted that there were two reasons behind the vaccine shortage: the international market shortage and the pricing issue. He assured that they were making efforts to ensure the availability of the Chinese Sinovac vaccine in the next ten days. The Health Minister, Mustafa Kamal, confirmed that the flu vaccine was available in the market but some prominent brands were not present.