Flu vaccine shortage in Pakistan as fake doses seized in Lahore
Pakistan is short of genuine seasonal flu vaccines, and drug inspectors in Lahore have seized a large stock of suspected counterfeit doses. Two people have been arrested.
For information only, not medical advice. Talk to a doctor about your own health.
- Genuine flu vaccines from major international and Chinese makers are largely unavailable, drug control officials said.
- Drug inspectors in Lahore seized suspected counterfeit vaccines and two people were arrested.
- Officials urge the public to buy only from licensed pharmacies.
Pakistan is facing a shortage of genuine seasonal influenza vaccines, with supplies from major international and Chinese manufacturers drying up, according to drug control officials who spoke on Wednesday. They said the gap leaves the market open to suspected counterfeit products.
Drug inspectors in Lahore raided premises and seized a large stock of suspected counterfeit flu vaccines. Two people were arrested in connection with the seizure. According to Daily Times, criminal cases have been registered against them for distributing spurious medical products, and the vaccine batches came from illegal distribution channels.
An official from the Office of the Chief Drug Controller Punjab said vaccines from all major suppliers are currently unavailable in the market. ProPakistani reported that Abbott's and Sanofi's influenza vaccines are among those affected. The official said Abbott might not supply its flu vaccine to Pakistan at all this year, while Sanofi might deliver only a limited quantity toward the end of November or in December.
Stocks from Chinese manufacturers Sinovac and Shenzhen Innovax have run out after both companies supplied limited quantities. The product seized in Lahore appeared to be a fake version of Influvac, a flu vaccine associated with Abbott, according to the official.
Daily Times reported that the shortage has affected both public and private healthcare sectors across the country. Forensic laboratories are running chemical tests to establish the composition of the confiscated samples.
The Punjab drug control official urged the public to buy flu vaccines only from licensed pharmacies. Buyers were advised to check the batch number and the manufacturer's seal and to make sure sellers maintain the required cold chain.
Daily Times reported further steps by the authorities. Regulators are sending inspection teams to retail pharmacies to monitor prices and prevent price gouging, and government agencies are setting up consumer helplines for complaints about suspicious products. Health ministry officials are coordinating with international suppliers to speed up priority shipments.
Medical associations have asked federal regulators to streamline import procedures for essential drugs. Law enforcement agencies warned that those making or selling fake medical supplies face legal penalties and prosecution.
Why it matters
Patients and families in Pakistan have fewer genuine flu vaccine options this season, and fake doses are circulating in the market. Officials say buying only from licensed pharmacies is the way to avoid them.
