Jahangeer Ganaie
Pulwama, Dec 20: A temporary shortage of the Rotavirus (Rota) vaccine in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district has caused concern among parents, particularly those with infants due for routine immunisation.
The Rota vaccine is a crucial component of the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) and is administered to infants to protect them from rotavirus infection, a leading cause of severe diarrhoea, dehydration and hospitalisation among young children.
Parents visiting primary health centres and sub-district hospitals over the past few weeks have expressed anxiety after being informed that the vaccine is currently unavailable. They said that the repeated visits to health facilities without success have added to their stress.
“We came to the health centre twice this week for our child’s scheduled dose, but we were told the vaccine is not available,” said a parent from Pampore. “Rotavirus causes serious illness in babies, and as parents, we are naturally worried when a vaccine is delayed.”
Another parent from Kakapora said that while health workers assured them it was a temporary issue, the lack of clarity initially created panic. “Immunisation schedules are very important for infants. Any disruption makes us anxious about our child’s health,” the parent added.
Health officials, however, have clarified that the shortage is short-term and there is no cause for alarm.
Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Pulwama, Dr Tahmeena Jameel, said the delay is due to supply-related issues and the vaccine is expected to be available shortly.
“There is no need to panic,” Dr Tahmeena said. “The Rotavirus vaccine will be available within the next two to three days. We appeal to parents to remain calm and cooperate with the health department.”
She said that a slight delay will not adversely affect children. “This vaccine can be administered to children up to the age of one year. Even if there is a short gap, children will still be covered once the vaccine arrives,” she said, adding that all health facilities will resume vaccination immediately after supplies are replenished.
Health workers in the district said they have been advising parents about the timeline and reassuring them about the safety and effectiveness of delayed administration within the recommended age limit. “We are noting down the details of children who missed their dose so that they can be covered on priority once the vaccine is received,” an official said.
The health department has urged parents not to skip or abandon immunisation schedules due to temporary shortages and to stay in touch with their nearest health centres for updates.
Officials said that routine immunisation remains a top priority. They said efforts are being made to ensure uninterrupted vaccine supplies in the coming days.
