Mumbai: With a spurt in cases of H1N1 in Thane, the civic body has procured over 4,000 vaccines that will be given free to people in eight medical centres in the area. The civic officials say that the preventive vaccination has to be taken voluntarily by people, especially those with co-morbid conditions like diabetes or hypertension.
Dr. Ramrao Kendre, head of Thane Municipal Corporation’s health department, said the vaccines will be available in five hospitals, two health centres and one maternity home. “The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has recommended that priority for vaccination should be given to pregnant women and those suffering from diabetes or hypertension. Medical professionals are also advised to take the vaccine,” said Dr. Kendre.
The H1N1 vaccine gives immunity to a person for 8 months to a year. However, there is very little awareness about preventive medication in the city. Medical experts say that most people wait till they develop symptoms instead of getting a preventive shot that is widely available.
This year, Thane has recorded 1,099 positive H1N1 cases and 48 deaths. In July, 206 cases and 11 deaths were reported. In the first three weeks of August, Thane recorded 102 cases and four deaths. “Most H1N1 deaths are among those who have co-morbidities,” said Dr. Kendre.
The statistics provided by the TMC are of those patients visiting the hospitals. H1N1 is now a seasonal flu and doctors say that not everyone may require medication. Consultant physician Dr Amit Saraf from Jupiter Hospital said not every H1N1 patient requires hospitalisation. “The patient should take treatment and ensure that the symptoms are subsiding,” said Dr. Saraf who has several cases in the past few weeks.