More Indians Opting For "Costly" Flu Shots As Pandemic Raises Awareness
NDTV
Vaccinations against influenza are not very common in the country due to a lack of awareness, access and steep prices, and they are also not part of the centre's universal immunization program that includes polio, tuberculosis and Hepatitis B.
A pandemic-spurred demand for flu vaccines has surged since a devastating second wave of COVID-19 brought the nation's healthcare system to its knees earlier this year.
Vaccinations against influenza are not very common in the country due to a lack of awareness, access and steep prices, and they are also not part of the centre's universal immunization program that includes polio, tuberculosis and Hepatitis B.
Still, more than 1,000 shots were administered at Manipal Hospital's sites in the tech hub of Bengaluru between July and September, compared with about 3,000 for all of last year, according to the healthcare provider.
"Initially, everyone thought if you got flu vaccines, COVID-19 won't affect you severely," said Dr. Ram Shankar Mishra, director of internal medicine at the Max Super Specialty Hospital, Saket, New Delhi.
