Dubai Denies Reports of Vaccine Shortages

Published July 17th, 2001 - 02:00 GMT
Al Bawaba
Al Bawaba

The Dubai Department of Health and Medical Services yesterday dismissed reports that there was a shortage of vaccines for tuberculosis, influenza, measles and yellow fever in its clinics and healthcare centers, reported the Gulf News. 

Mohammed Juma Bu Hannad, the department's assistant director general, said the only vaccine currently unavailable for children was the serum for cholera. 

"The vaccine for cholera has been discontinued by the company manufacturing it internationally, based on recommendations by the World Health Organization, as the disease is not widespread," he said. 

"It is now administered in only a few countries such as Egypt, Switzerland and Sweden. Supplies are available from other sources, which we will try to get at the earliest possible opportunity. 

"Cholera is no longer an epidemic, unlike in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. There are only a few occurrences around the world.  

"The other vaccines reported to be running short, such as tuberculosis, influenza, measles and yellow fever, are all available,” he said – Albawaba.com 

 

© 2001 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)

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