This year, there’s H1N1 vaccine

The H1N1 virus, to which the World Health Organisation had issued pandemic preparedness recommendations to all governments last year, is slowly making a comeback. It claimed 17 lives in Kerala this year, just ahead of the monsoon; two persons died of the virus in Udupi last month.

With temperatures in the city dipping, more and more Bangaloreans are lining up at city hospitals, seeking vaccination against this virus, which combines strains of human, avian and swine influenza. Many are keen to acquire immunity to the disease, though the vaccine is not recommended for general use.

The H1N1 virus spreads rapidly among people in close contact, and affects the respiratory system. However, simple preventive measures include proper hand hygiene, keeping a distance from coughing patients, and prompt medical attention, should symptoms make an appearance.

While many doctors — among the groups most prone to exposure to the virus — have already been vaccinated, many frequent travellers who are also at risk of exposure have sought the vaccine. “As per guidelines issued by the WHO and the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, the H1N1 vaccine can be given to health care workers, medical professionals and people between six months and 24 years of age. Anyone between 25 years and 64 years of age with medical conditions that lower immunity are permitted to take the vaccine,” said Dr Sangeetha Joshi, microbiologist, Manipal Hospital. Doctors and health care professional at Manipal Hospital have already been vaccinated; the hospital is in the process of acquiring vaccines for patients.

“Several people, especially frequent travellers, have approached us for the vaccine, ever since the news of availability of H1N1 vaccine since June this year has come out,” said Dr Rajeev Moger, consultant, internal medicine, Apollo Hospital. However, it is recommended that only individuals in high-risk categories use the vaccine.

Among those in the high-risk group are patients of asthma, bronchitis, diabetes, underlying lung disease, malignancy or renal failure. Dr Moger added that people with an already diseased lung are more prone to getting infected with the swine flu virus, and thus recommended the vaccine.

The vaccine is not available over-the-counter. It can be had on the recommendation of a doctor, and is available in a multi-dose vial, in a pack of 10, which can be administered on 10 different individuals. The pack costs Rs3,000, approximately.

Scared of the side-effects, even some doctors in the state have refused the vaccination. “Side effects include flu-like symptoms, fever, head ache, muscle ache. However, these symptoms disappear within a day or two. According to WHO guidelines, people who are allergic to egg should not take this vaccine,” said Dr Joshi.

Most available vaccines come in the form of injections. A Pune-based  firm has claimed that it is in the process of introducing a spray vaccine.