PUNE: Though people seem to be skeptical about the vaccines available against swine flu, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) Pune chapter is optimistic about the response to the same.

Addressing media on 'Swine flu policy: IMA’s stand; on Thursday president of IMA Pune Dr Sharad Agarkhedkar, said, “IMA Pune did a great job last year and it is keenly watching the present scenario. We have increasing number of cases in our OPDs, several are  admitted while 15 patients are being ventilated. However, two or three deaths per day in the last two days are a matter of concern.”

He further said that as per serology tests done by National Institute of Virology (NIV), 36-40 per cent of Pune's population may be immune due to sub clinical infection last year. “Compared to last year, we are in a better position because of the herd immunity and also because the virus has not changed its structure and properties,” he added.

Speaking on the vaccines against swine flu, he said, “One vaccine is to be used for adults (inactivated injectable vaccine). Another vaccine can be given through the nasal route for people aged between 3 to 49 years, with very few side effects. Added advantage of this vaccine is, it can help us increase herd immunity. It is a 5 dose vial and can be given through the use of a sprayer.”

USAGE

The live vaccine can be administered to patients between 3 to 49 and older age group but cannot be given to children below 3 years, to pregnant and nursing women, immunocompromised host like HIV patients, on anticancer drugs and on long term steroids and patients undergoing transplantation.