Swine flu vaccine to be available as nasal drops

If the idea of being vaccinated against swine flu by injection scares you, don't worry. The Serum India Institute Limited (SIIL), whose vaccine will be developed next year, says they are preparing a nasal drop version too.

If the idea of being vaccinated against swine flu by injection scares you, don't worry. The Serum India Institute Limited (SIIL), whose vaccine will be developed next year, says they are preparing a nasal drop version too.

"Many people are scared of injections. For them, we are coming out with nasal drops so that they are comfortable taking the vaccinations," said Dr Suresh Jadhav, executive director, SIIL.

This development has come after several schoolchildren contracted the disease.

"The quantity or number of drops can be decided after the drug's been made," added Jadhav.

Currently, there's no medicine available that can prevent swine flu.

But Tamiflu is being widely used on patients who have tested positive for the disease. With several children (see box) contracting swine flu, the state government has ordered the drug manufacturers to make Tamiflu in a syrup form.

Helpline

Of the 66 swine flu cases in the city, 47 are students. According to Dr Dilip Sarda, president, Indian Medical Association, "Our helpline has so far received over 1,000 calls from people inquiring about swine flu." Added Dr R R Pardeshi, head of PMC's health department, "The PMC helpline (20250050), which was started last Saturday, gets 50-60 calls per day."

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