20 lakh pregnant women may get H1N1 vaccine

 

Mumbai: Taking a cue from the Kerala government, the state public health department is considering administering an anti swine flu vaccine to over 20 lakh pregnant women.
    “We have carefully studied the Kerala model on the swine flu vaccine. A comprehensive proposal has been submitted to the government, it will cost the state exchequer Rs 80 crore if it is administered free of cost,’’ a senior public health official told TOI on Tuesday.
    Ever since the swine flu vaccine was made available, Kerala became the first state to administer it free of cost to pregnant women. In Maharashtra, a comprehensive three-tier plan was drafted for administration of the swine flu vaccine to doctors, paramedical staff and all employees in government hospitals. “It was unfortunate that barring a few doctors and paramedical staff, most have refused it. We have decided to return the remaining quota of the vaccine to the Centre,’’ he said.
    According to the official, following last year’s outbreak in Maharashtra, particularly in Pune and later in parts of Mumbai, it appeared that the disease, which is accompanied by high fever, was well under control. However, now in view of the emergence of fresh cases and that too in a large number, it is clear that more effort will be required to tackle the disease.
    The public health department has also conducted an analysis of the deceased. It was found that of 71 patients, 14 died at home, nine on the first day in hospital, eight after two days, five after three days. The maximum number of patients were in the age group of 21 to 30 (29), followed by 31 to 40 (11) and 41 to 50 (9). In
only one case, the patient was not administered Tamiflu.
    “We have already launched a massive awareness campaign but more effort is required. Besides educational institutes, NGOs should join our campaign. Even on a slight suspicion, the patient must consult a doctor and if required, start the Tamiflu treatment,’’ the official said.