Ramp up flu vaccine for kids: Doctors tell Uddhav Thackeray

Doctors said tackling flu early would reduce the burden on the health system during the third wave. Pic/Sameer Markande

In the first webinar held with Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray to discuss ways of safeguarding children in the third wave, paediatricians said the flu vaccine should be included in the national immunisation programme. They emphasised the need to administer the influenza vaccine to kids before the monsoon.

They said this will ensure they don't land up in hospitals with symptoms common in Covid-19. Influenza is a respiratory viral infection and has clinical symptoms overlapping with Covid-19.

A health worker screens a child at Dadar station on Sunday. Pic/Ashish Raje

"The Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP) has been talking about the importance of vaccinating children against influenza. In the US and many European countries, influenza vaccine is part of the government immunisation programme. In India, that isn't the case. This year, we are requesting the government to include influenza vaccine because of the pandemic so that underprivileged children can also benefit," said Dr Suhas Prabhu, paediatrician and chairperson of the state's paediatric task force.

Can't have the two coinciding

Flu cases generally increase in monsoon and the third wave is expected to hit in six months. Dr Prabhu said that if the flu epidemic coincides with the Covid-19 wave, it might create havoc. "Every mother whose child gets a little fever, runny nose and cough will suspect Covid-19 and rush to a Covid-19 centre. The child may not even have Covid-19 and may get exposed to the virus. Even for the doctor, it is difficult to differentiate between Covid-19 and flu by looking at the child because symptoms are similar. Only a test can confirm. Flu vaccinations would reduce cases and thereby the burden on the healthcare system," explained Dr Prabhu.

Dr Vijay Yewale, paediatrician and member of the state paediatric task force said that in children aged less than five years and in those with comorbidities, influenza can cause severe illness requiring hospitalisation. "Most flu in India occurs during monsoon and an outbreak will add to the burden," said Dr Yewale.

He said influenza is a vaccine-preventable disease and a safe vaccine is available and in use in the private sector. "Roughly 15 per cent of acute viral infections in paediatrics is flu. And in developing countries like India, it is a cause of pneumonia and death of children aged under five. IAP recommends flu vaccination of children between six months and five years and all those with comorbidities regardless of age," emphasised Dr Yewale.

The paediatric and the state task force for adults strongly recommended getting influenza and other non-Covid-19 vaccines. "While we attend to Covid-19, it is important to not lag behind in vaccinating children against vaccine-preventable diseases to sustain the gains achieved," said Dr Yewale.

CM Thackeray said that he will look into the flu vaccine concerns raised by the paediatricians.

Walk-in for seniors from Monday to Wednesday

A senior citizen receives a vaccine shot at Rajawadi hospital, Ghatkopar. Pic/Sayyed Sameer Abedi

The BMC has extended the walk-in system for senior citizens for this week. Seniors can take their first or second dose directly at vaccination centres from Monday to Wednesday. Health workers, frontline workers and beneficiaries of the second dose of Covaxin can also take a jab without registration on these days. From May 27 to 29, vaccination will be done only through registration. The drive will be closed on Sunday, May 30. The BMC would communicate any change in the schedule a day earlier. - A Correspondent

5 yrs
Vulnerable age up to which influenza causes pneumonia and death

15%
Proportion of flu cases among acute viral infections