Srinagar, Oct 17: Seasonal influenza vaccines are reportedly reaching health facilities late in the season in Jammu and Kashmir, with employees in the Health Department alleging that supplies arrive after October despite the need to begin immunisation during the first week of the month.
According to information shared by employees and sources within the Health Department, the delay in making seasonal influenza vaccines available is raising concerns over the timing of vaccination and the preparedness of health facilities for the seasonal rise in influenza infections.
The employees told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that the first week of October is considered an important period for initiating seasonal influenza vaccination and that supplies should reach health institutions in time to enable health workers to begin the process without delay. They alleged that vaccines often arrive only after October has already progressed, reducing the time available for timely vaccination.
The concern, they said, is not merely about the arrival of vaccine stocks but also about ensuring that health facilities are adequately prepared to administer doses when required. Timely supply is essential for institutions to plan vaccination activities, inform eligible beneficiaries and organise the immunisation process, the employees maintained.
Seasonal influenza is a respiratory illness that can lead to serious complications, particularly among older people, pregnant women, young children and individuals with certain underlying health conditions. Vaccination is an important preventive measure, although the timing of vaccination campaigns can depend on local epidemiological patterns, vaccine availability and official health advisories.
The employees expressed concern that delays in supply could affect the timely implementation of vaccination activities and urged the authorities concerned to examine the procurement and distribution process. They said vaccines should reach health institutions before the intended vaccination period rather than after it has begun.
Employees said the authorities should ensure that the supply schedule is aligned with the planned vaccination programme so that institutions are not left waiting for stocks during the period when vaccination is expected to begin.
The employees have called for timely distribution of seasonal influenza vaccines and a review of the supply mechanism to prevent similar delays in subsequent seasons.
KNT
