No injectable polio vaccine in market

The crisis, believes All India Vaccine Dealers Association, has been triggered by bulk procurement by state government for the National Polio Immunisation Programme.

According to general secretary Sanjiv Pal Singh, "Not a single vial of the injectable polio vaccine is available against demand for at least 30,000 vials as companies have diverted supply to state government."

In November 2015, UP government integrated injectable polio vaccine in the national programme for elimination of polio. Under this, polio vaccine shots are given to newborn when they complete 14 weeks.

Principal secretary health Arvind Kumar said: "We had no idea about the shortage or crisis. Now informed, we will urge parents to go to government hospitals which have enough stock. Additionally, government will meet representatives of the vaccine manufacturing companies soon to address the issue."

Privately practising paediatrician Dr Sanjay Niranjan who has an average of administering some 50-60 injections every month said, "Our stockist informed that he has zero stock." Adding that many parents get worried and fear compromising with the oral polio vaccine.

"Injectable polio vaccine gives better protection. It is for this that global alliance for vaccine and immunisation recommends it," he said. The association office-bearers held that the crisis was equally grave in Kanpur, Ghaziabad, Noida, Varanasi and Gorakhpur.

Members of the Indian Paediatric Association have expressed concern stating that over 60% of urban children are immunised in the private sector and injectable polio vaccine was one important element.

An estimated 4.5 lakh children are born in UP every month of whom 1lakh live in urban areas.
Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India.