MYSORE: The ongoing strike by wholesale drug dealers in the State has led to scarcity of typhoid vaccine in Mysore, where many cases of the epidemic have been reported.

Many people who took their children for vaccination soon after the epidemic broke out in the city a few days ago, had to return disappointed.

Vaccines are not available in most of the drug stores and clinics. It is available in sufficient quantity in some hospitals such as JSS Hospital.

Stock at hospital

Ravi, a paediatrician at the hospital, told The Hindu that hospitals which procure the vaccine directly from the manufacturer have a sufficient stock. "We have adequate stock of the vaccine at the hospital. But, it may not be the case with other clinics," he said.

The non-availability of typhoid vaccine when more than 25 confirmed cases of typhoid have been reported from different hospitals has created concern among the people.

Efficacy

Dr. Ravi said that the vaccine has only 65 per cent efficacy. "If a child is administered typhoid vaccine, but does not take adequate precautionary measures against the disease, it may not help.

The vaccine works as an add-on to the precautionary measure," he said. The anxiety among people is just panic reaction, he said.

Drugs stock

"The number of typhoid cases is not so high that the existing stock of drugs to tackle typhoid will dry up," Dr. Ravi said.

Wholesale dealers of drugs in the State are on an indefinite strike in the wake of a sales tax notice slapped on wholesale dealers and stockists of drugs.

Mayor Bharathi has said that the Corporation has taken adequate steps against spread of typhoid.

The Corporation has taken steps to provide pure drinking water to Ashokapuram, Jayanagar, Vidyaranyapuram and other areas, where typhoid cases have been reported.

She appealed to people to drink only boiled water in view of the onset of summer.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail