Public response to H1N1 vaccine poor in the national capital

A survey of the popular chemist shops in the capital reveals that very few keep the H1N1 vaccines, while those who stock them are unable to sell more than 10 vaccines in one month.

The Union ministry of health and family welfare had provided about 19,000 free and imported vaccines for health-care providers at the city hospitals. However, nearly 40 percent of them remain unused.

"In the past one month, we have been able to sell only two pieces of the 10-dose viale. The response to the injectible vaccines has been lukewarm. The nasal vaccines are also not doing any better," said R Nath, owner of the Connaught Place-based Nath Bros chemist shop.

Another chemist from Hauz Khas admitted he was not selling the vaccine. "We were not able to sell the vaccines in retail. There were no bulk orders from private hospitals, corporates or doctors either. So, we had to stop the sales.”

Doubts about its efficacy persist
To vaccinate or not to vaccinate – there are no clear answers. According to experts, the whole nature of the vaccines has put the people in a dilemma with most weighing the risks against the benefits.

The doubts about the H1N1 vaccine arise from the perception that it was rushed into production and foisted on the public without being tested sufficiently.

People feel that it might not be effective and perhaps even not necessary since the virus has so far proved to be less severe than anticipated.

According to experts, the reluctance to get vaccinated stems from the fact that people would like to have a 100-percent guarantee that everything is safe and good.

Although, an element of some uncertainty persists experts are optimistic the vaccines are effective and going to work.

Some more reasons
Fears of side-effects like headache, nausea, muscle ache and bruising of the skin caused by injectible vaccines is perhaps one vital reason why people as well as doctors have refrained from getting the shot.

According to doctors, the short-term efficacy of the vaccines which work for not more than a year can be another reason for the poor sales.

In addition, the vaccines priced between Rs 150 and Rs 800 is a trifle steep for the lay man.

Inoculation urged
Keeping in mind the rising trend of swine flu over the last one month, health officials recommend a comprehensive approach to tackle the virus.

This includes H1N1 vaccine, hand washing, cough hygiene, limiting visitors, isolation of infected patients and the use of protective equipment.

Swine flu shots are urged for the high-risk groups, including children, the elderly and people with chronic illnesses, because they are more at risk for complications from the flu.

Y K Gupta, head of the pharmacology department at AIIMS, "Swine flu is like any other viral disease. People who are at high risk and those who have a relative or family member suffering from the disease must get themselves vaccinated.