Maharashtra Districts Get Extra Funds For Flu Vaccines As Cases Increase

The state has given Rs 70 lakh to districts to obtain flu shots in response to the increasing number of H1N1 and H3N2 influenza cases and potential public demand, officials said on Tuesday.

Maharashtra has recorded 417 cases of influenza H1N1 and nearly 250 cases of H3N2 since the beginning of the year, of which mostly were detected in March. In addition, there have been three confirmed deaths caused by H1N1 and one confirmed death, along with three suspected deaths, linked to H3N2.

Senior officials from the state health department said that individuals, especially senior citizens and those from vulnerable groups, can request the flu shot from civil and district hospitals if they want to receive it.

Dr Nitin Ambadekar, director of health services, said that the additional funds have been given to meet with demands for flu vaccine, if any vaccines are not available, people should tell the civil surgeon or district health official, and it will be arranged for using these funds,he said.