Residents of the federal capital are facing significant difficulties as a flu vaccine Islamabad shortage has left many vulnerable to seasonal illness just as winter begins. Families and elderly citizens who typically receive their annual shots in October report that the vaccines have vanished from retail shelves across the city. Health experts recommend these vaccinations in early autumn to build immunity before influenza activity peaks.
Market unavailability and black market risks
Pharmacists in Islamabad have confirmed that the three primary flu vaccine brands in Pakistan—the French Vaxigrip, American Influvac, and Chinese Sinovac—are currently out of stock. One local pharmacist noted that while he usually sells over 1,500 doses in October, he has been unable to secure any supply this year. This gap in the market has reportedly encouraged black market dealers to offer online bookings, often collecting advance payments from desperate citizens without any guarantee of delivery.
Regulatory response and pricing disputes
The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has acknowledged the supply issues. Dr. Obaidullah Malik, CEO of DRAP, stated that the Sinovac vaccine should become available to the public by November 15. However, the limited stock of another vaccine, Virionza, is currently mired in a pricing dispute. While the pack lists a maximum retail price (MRP) of Rs1,304, the official DRAP barcode system displays a price of Rs654.
DRAP (the national body regulating medicines) uses these barcodes to prevent overcharging, but health ministry officials suggest a technical error in the barcode system may be responsible for the discrepancy. They maintain that the higher price listed on the packaging is the correct one, though the confusion has further complicated access for consumers.
Why the vaccine is essential
Health officials emphasize that the annual influenza vaccine is the most effective way to reduce the risk of severe complications from the flu. For high-risk groups, including the elderly and those with underlying health conditions, the delay in availability poses a serious health risk as temperatures drop. Officials attribute the current shortage to global supply chain issues and internal distribution delays.
Aasan alfaaz mein
Islamabad mein flu ki vaccine khatam ho gayi hai aur log pareshan hain. Doctor kehte hain ke sardiyon se pehle ye teeka lagwana zaroori hai. Hukumat ka kehna hai ke 15 November tak nayi vaccine market mein aa jayegi. Abhi jo thori bohat vaccine mil rahi hai uski qeemat par bhi behas ho rahi hai kyunke dibbe par qeemat kuch aur hai aur barcode par kuch aur.
