Islamabad Flu Vaccine Shortage Leaves Families Waiting
Families in Islamabad cannot find flu vaccines as winter approaches, leaving elderly residents exposed to seasonal influenza. The three main brands are all out of stock, and the only vaccine on the shelves carries a price that does not match its own barcode.
Naeem Ahmed gets a flu shot for his mother every October. He told Dawn he had spent the past month searching medical stores across the city but could not find the vaccine anywhere.
“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 said.
Sohail Jamil had the same experience at several medical stores, where he was told the vaccine was not available this year.
A pharmacist in the city said the Chinese Sinovac, French Vaxigrip and American Influvac were the three main flu vaccines sold locally. None was available this year.
“I used to sell at least 1,500 shots in October, but this year I could not arrange a single one,” he said. The vaccine should ideally be given in early autumn, around September or October, especially to elderly people, before flu activity rises.
The pharmacist also said rumours of a shortage had pushed some agents to take online bookings in the black market and collect advance payments. Even they could not supply the vaccine.
Islamabad flu vaccine shortage: the reasons behind it
Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan chief executive Dr Obaidullah Malik told Dawn that the Chinese vaccine Sinovac would be made available by November 15.
A senior health ministry official, who asked not to be named, gave two reasons for the shortage: the vaccine has become short in the international market, partly because of transport problems caused by the Iran-US war, and pricing. Prices have surged on the shortage and higher transport costs, and suppliers may not be allowed to sell at higher rates in Pakistan.
“So I can say that the French vaccine Vaxigrip and American vaccine Influvac will not be available to consumers this year. However, we are making efforts to ensure that the Chinese vaccine, Sinovac, will be made available in the next 10 days,” the official said.
Health Minister Mustafa Kamal told Dawn he would look into the price gap on the one vaccine in stock. He also said the flu vaccine was available in the market, but some prominent brands were not.
Price gap on the only vaccine in stock
The only vaccine available in Islamabad is Virionza, an inactivated, split-virion seasonal flu vaccine. It has become the centre of a price dispute.
The pack lists a maximum retail price of Rs1,304. Yet scanning the barcode on the same pack shows a price of Rs654, which is 50 per cent less. Drap put the barcode on every medicine so buyers can check the real price and companies cannot raise it.
The health ministry official said something was wrong with the barcode system, while the company was selling at the correct price. The minister said he would inquire into the difference.
Flu cases already rising elsewhere in Pakistan
The shortage has arrived at a bad time. Feature Pakistan reported on November 1 that Drap had warned about fake flu vaccines in the market. Two days earlier, the health ministry had scrapped a vaccine tender, and on November 3 hospitals in Lahore reported a rise in flu-like cases. Karachi had already seen an H1N1 flu surge in late October.
Timing matters because a flu shot given in September or October protects people before the virus spreads widely. A mid-November arrival still helps, but it leaves a gap at the start of the season.
The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention says an annual flu vaccine is the best way to reduce the risk of flu and serious complications. For families in Islamabad, that protection is out of reach until at least November 15.
Dawn reported the shortage on Thursday evening.
Frequently asked questions
When will flu vaccines be available in Islamabad?
Drap says Chinese Sinovac will arrive by November 15. The French Vaxigrip and American Influvac vaccines will not be available this year.
Why are flu vaccines out of stock in Islamabad?
A health ministry official blamed an international shortage, transport disruption linked to the Iran-US war, and pricing limits that stop suppliers selling at higher rates.
What is the price problem with the Virionza vaccine?
The pack lists Rs1,304, but its barcode shows Rs654. Health Minister Mustafa Kamal says he will inquire into the difference.
Who should get a flu vaccine first?
Elderly people and those with health conditions face the highest risk, and the vaccine works best in September or October, before flu activity rises.
