Dr. Nguyễn Hồng Hà, Head of the Emergency Department at the Institute of Tropical Diseases, Bạch Mai Hospital (Hanoi), stated:
Flu Vaccine Shortage According to the Central Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, many people are coming in for flu vaccinations daily, with 120 individuals vaccinated on October 24. Dr. Đỗ Thị Thoa, head of the vaccination department at the Central Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, indicated that the institute is importing 2,000 doses of the flu vaccine, with only about 300 doses currently available. This is the peak period for vaccination, raising concerns about insufficient supply to meet demand. A representative from Sanofi Pasteur, the primary provider of flu vaccines, assured that there will be sufficient flu vaccines available until the end of the year. Currently, the price for a flu vaccination is 175,000 VND. For children aged 36 months to 9 years, two doses are required (including one booster), while adults only need one dose. |
– The mechanism of Tamiflu works by inhibiting the binding of the H5N1 virus to cells (preventing the virus from attaching to cells) rather than killing the virus itself. Therefore, early treatment is crucial for effectiveness. Tamiflu is only for those at high risk, such as individuals who have direct contact with infected birds or patients.
* Can healthy individuals take this medication as a preventive measure?
– No, because after one week, the medication is expelled from the body, and once it is out, individuals who have been exposed to the source of infection can still become ill. This drug is not a preventive vaccine against influenza (including H5N1) and should only be used in case of an outbreak. If everyone starts using it now, it could lead to drug resistance, and when an outbreak occurs, there may not be any medication left to use. Therefore, I advise that ordinary people should not take this medication.
* So, who should take Tamiflu?
– As I mentioned, only those who have been in contact with the source of infection should take it. For instance, if there is one sick person in the household, other family members must take the medication to prevent illness. It should only be taken when there has been exposure to someone infected with H5N1. Tamiflu has a limited duration of action, so only those who have been exposed and are at high risk should be prescribed this medication by a doctor.
* Is Tamiflu currently available?
– The Institute of Tropical Diseases still has Tamiflu available, with approximately 500 boxes equivalent to 5,000 tablets. The price is around 2.3 USD per tablet.
THỤY KHÊ
