KARACHI: A shortage of seasonal influenza vaccines has been reported across Pakistan, with both multinational and Chinese-manufactured flu vaccines reportedly unavailable in the market.
According to officials, flu vaccines manufactured by multinational pharmaceutical companies are expected to arrive in November or December.
Drug control authorities said that the limited stocks of flu vaccines supplied by Chinese manufacturers have also been exhausted.
Amid the shortage, attempts to sell allegedly counterfeit flu vaccines have also come to light.
Drug control authorities have advised citizens to purchase flu vaccines only from licensed pharmacies to avoid counterfeit or substandard products.
Seasonal influenza vaccines are usually administered ahead of the winter months, when flu cases rise.
They are generally recommended for high-risk groups, including the elderly, young children, pregnant women and people with chronic illnesses. A shortage of genuine vaccine can push those who need protection towards unverified sources, which is the situation the drug authorities are trying to prevent.
The official urged the public to purchase flu vaccines only from licensed pharmacies. He advised buyers to confirm that the cold chain has been maintained, to check the batch number and to verify the manufacturer’s seal on the product.
