Amid rising cases, high price of flu shot a concern, say doctors - The Indian Express

Amid rising cases of influenza, state Health Minister Tanaji Sawant on Thursday appealed to the people of Maharashtra to get vaccinated against the infection. However, the high price of the influenza vaccine, which is not part of the national immunization programme, is turning out to be a deterrent for people seeking to get the shot, said doctors.

Influenza vaccines, often called 'flu shots', are vaccines that protect against the four influenza viruses – two subtypes of influenza A and two lineages of influenza B. The price of the shots range from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,000.

One subtype of influenza A virus has been spreading fast in the country and claimed three lives so far, raising alarm for the central government. In Maharashtra, two suspected deaths related to H3N2 influenza have been recorded. With this, both the state government and doctors have been urging people to get the influenza vaccines. But due to a lack of awareness, access and steep prices, there are not too many takers for the vaccine. "The only way to prevent influenza virus complications is by vaccinating yourself with once-a-year quadrivalent flu vaccine, although its high cost is an obstacle for those from poorer socioeconomic strata," said Dr Samrat Shah, senior consultant of Internal Medicine, Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital.

Dr Lancelot Pinto, epidemiologist and pulmonologist at Hinduja hospital, said, "I think a lack of awareness about the vaccine, and influenza as a disease, is probably more responsible for the low uptake than the cost. The cost definitely needs to come down if we want universal coverage among high-risk individuals".

The high cost of Covid-influenza tests is also keeping patients away. Private laboratories are charging anywhere between Rs 3,000-Rs 5,000 per test covering all influenza viruses and Covid-19. Dr Nilesh Shah, president and chief of science and innovation at Metropolis Healthcare, said the price of Covid-Influenza panel test is Rs 5,500.

Dr Shah explained that there are two main factors – host and environmental – behind the steady rise in all viral respiratory illnesses, be it influenza A- H3N2, H1N1 variant and novel coronavirus, and the omicron sub variant.

"Host factors include avoidance of face masks , casual attitude towards general health , lack of hand hygiene and more social gatherings. Environmental factors include poor air quality and too much construction all around," said Dr Shah.

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