Avail proper time for vaccination

Heavy rush could be avoided at health centres if people take vaccinations at right time, said Maj. (Dr.) Manaf Mohamed Al Qahtani, Consultant-Internist and Infectious Diseases Physician at the Bahrain Defence Force Hospital.

Commenting on shortage of H1N1 vaccines after people rushed to hospitals to take vaccinations in big numbers, he said that last year there was a huge wastage of vaccines, as people did not turn up to hospitals. "Last year, the government spent large amount of money for importing vaccines. Considering last year's wastage, the government decided to reduce the import of vaccines this year,” he clarified.

Dr. Al Qahtani said H1N1 vaccines cause antibodies to develop in the body about two weeks after vaccination. “Therefore, September is the right time to take this vaccination as H1N1 flu season usually starts in October, when autumn season begins.”

The Health Ministry has stated that Bahrain ordered additional dose of the H1N1 vaccine following the surge in demand.