Union Government has clarified that there is no shortage of yellow fever vaccine in the country and a total of 6000 ten dose vials of yellow fever vaccine were supplied to various centres all over the country during July 2013.
“Earlier, there was a shortage of supply of yellow fever vaccine from CRI, Kasauli. Accordingly, the yellow fever vaccination centres were advised that the travelers visiting to yellow fever affected countries were to purchase single dose yellow fever vaccine vials (manufactured by Sanofi Pasteur) from the open market and receive the vaccination and vaccination certificate from Government authorized yellow fever vaccination centres,” according to Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad.
“Emergency procurement of 60,000 doses of yellow fever vaccine was made from Sanofi Pasteur during the month of April, 2013. The vaccine was delivered during mid-July, 2013 and has been immediately distributed to all the vaccination centers in the country,” he said in the Parliament recently.
Government supply order for supply of 2.57 lakh doses has been placed with WHO during 2013. The first consignment of 1,28,530 doses has been received at CRI Kasauli. The remaining quantity is expected to be delivered in fourth quarter of the current financial year, he said.
In view of the threat of importation of yellow fever in India, WHO consultation was held in Goa during March, 2011. The WHO recommended continuing existing mechanism of surveillance and quarantine, vector control and building capacities for enhancing diagnostic facilities in the country. The Government has specific measures in place at Ports of Entry (POEs) for surveillance against introduction of yellow fever into country (including via air travel),” the Minister said.
All the visitors who have either travelled to yellow fever affected countries or have transmitted through affected countries are required to possess valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. All the incoming international conveyances (ships/aircrafts) are required to submit proof of recommended dis-infection measures for the aircraft, as per the steps taken by the Government.
“No information regarding people obtaining fake yellow fever vaccination certificates to fly to affected countries has been received,” the minister added.