Major Flu Vaccines Go Out of Stock in Islamabad
Residents of Islamabad are facing a shortage of influenza vaccines as winter approaches, with several major brands unavailable at pharmacies … Read More The post Major Flu Vaccines Go Out of Stock in Islamabad appeared first on ProPakistani .
Winter is approaching, and Islamabad residents are finding it difficult to obtain influenza vaccines due to a shortage of major brands. The Chinese Sinovac, French Vaxigrip, and American Influvac vaccines are currently unavailable in pharmacies across the capital. This has left many residents unable to get vaccinated ahead of the flu season.
Despite multiple pharmacy visits, residents have been unable to locate the vaccines they need. The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) Chief Dr. Obaidullah Malik revealed that the Sinovac vaccine is expected to become available by November 15. The shortage is attributed to international supply disruptions and rising prices, with transportation issues linked to the Iran-US war significantly impacting global vaccine supplies.
Higher import and transportation costs have also made it challenging for suppliers to sell vaccines within Pakistan’s pricing restrictions. The French vaccine Vaxigrip and American vaccine Influvac will not be available in Pakistan this year. Another vaccine, Virionza, has raised concerns regarding a pricing discrepancy, with its packaging listing a maximum retail price of Rs.
1,304 and its DRAP barcode showing Rs. 654. The Health Ministry confirmed that while flu vaccines remain available in the market, several major brands are currently unavailable. Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal stated that he would investigate the pricing discrepancy and clarified that flu vaccines are still available in the market.
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