Rania Shakhtoura - "Akhbar al-Yawm"
Many are accustomed to taking the seasonal influenza vaccine, with the beginning of the autumn season, but this preventive measure has taken on “extra” importance, since the outbreak of the Corona epidemic that infected millions around the world.
The past year, according to health reports, has seen historically low levels of flu activity, likely due to coronavirus prevention measures, such as social distancing, school closures, wearing masks, and reduced travel... as well as the widespread use of flu vaccines.
A few days ago, some Lebanese began the "journey of searching" for the flu vaccine, which helps avoiding frequent PCR tests, or what may accompany the appearance of flu symptoms.
But until today, this journey has failed - similar to the journey of searching for all medicines - as one of the pharmacists told "Akhbar al-Yawm" agency that the importing companies have not yet moved a finger to import this vaccine, and pharmacies have not been asked about their need, despite the fact that they record requests for those who want to receive this vaccine.
In this context, it is generally recommended to receive the vaccine from late September to December, as the influenza season begins from late September, and may continue until May, and therefore the earlier the vaccination, the better.
When the vaccine will be available?
The Syndicate of Pharmacists Ghassan al-Amin explains, through "Akhbar al-Yawm", that it has not yet been imported into Lebanon, stressing that the main problem facing import is subsidies.
In previous years the price did not exceed 22,000 Lebanese pounds, but today it will be based on the exchange rate, i.e it may exceed 300,000 Lebanese pounds, and therefore importing companies may refrain from importing because they are unable to sell it, as people may not take the vaccine if the price is too high.
In response to a question, al-Amin explains that there are two companies importing influenza vaccine, and it is expected that they will be imported this year as well, but in very small quantities compared to previous years. He says: We are living in hard conditions, and the medicine that must be subsidized has not been, so what about the basic ones, pointing out that the medicines for heart, stress, chronic diseases and cancer - which must be subsidized - were not imported for about 4 months, pointing out that the Banque du Liban has set an amount for the subsidy, while the Ministry of Health is currently working very seriously on setting priorities and serious studies whose results will be issued within a week in terms of quality, quantity and priority, especially with regard to not lifting subsidies completely for incurable or chronic diseases.