IndiaHealth
ICMR chief says flu vaccine only for high-risk groups; no need for masks
Amid rising swine flu cases, the Indian Council of Medical Research's Director General said the flu vaccine is needed only for people above 65 who are immunocompromised, and that there is currently no urgent need for everyone to take it or wear masks.
As swine flu cases continue to rise in India, the centre on Tuesday issued an advisory on flu vaccination. Dr Rajiv Bahl, Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), said the flu vaccine is needed only for people above the age of 65 who are immunocompromised. He added that there is no urgent need for everyone to take the vaccine.
Dr Bahl said individuals above 65 and those who are immunocompromised may discuss the vaccine with their doctors, but “right now there is no need for everyone to take it.” He also said there is no need to wear masks.
The ICMR DG noted that the vaccine recommendation comes from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and is not part of India's National Immunisation Programme. He said a cost-effective analysis of the flu vaccine has been conducted in India, and the vaccine is needed for some people above the age of 65 if they are immunocompromised.
- swine flu
- H1N1
From
IndiaHealth
ICMR chief says flu vaccine only for high-risk groups; no need for masks
Amid rising swine flu cases, the Indian Council of Medical Research's Director General said the flu vaccine is needed only for people above 65 who are immunocompromised, and that there is currently no urgent need for everyone to take it or wear masks.
As swine flu cases continue to rise in India, the centre on Tuesday issued an advisory on flu vaccination. Dr Rajiv Bahl, Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), said the flu vaccine is needed only for people above the age of 65 who are immunocompromised. He added that there is no urgent need for everyone to take the vaccine.
Dr Bahl said individuals above 65 and those who are immunocompromised may discuss the vaccine with their doctors, but “right now there is no need for everyone to take it.” He also said there is no need to wear masks.
The ICMR DG noted that the vaccine recommendation comes from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and is not part of India's National Immunisation Programme. He said a cost-effective analysis of the flu vaccine has been conducted in India, and the vaccine is needed for some people above the age of 65 if they are immunocompromised.
- swine flu
- H1N1
From