Dubai: A lack of typhoid vaccines in private clinics and hospitals is causing huge concern among Dubai residents as they prepare for their summer travel.
Anxious parents said they have not been able to get their children vaccinated for several months as the vaccine is not available. But healthcare facilities claimed they were helpless due to persisting shortages of supply from manufacturers.
Even hospitals like the Mediclinic Welcare and City Hospital, which had stocks last month, have run out. A spokesperson for the group said: “Both Mediclinic Welcare Hospital and Mediclinic City Hospital have exhausted their stocks of typhoid vaccine. Since GSK does not supply their typhoid vaccine anymore, the hospitals are awaiting stock from Sanofi Aventis which should arrive next month.”
Private clinics said they were worried about the shortage. “A lot of people will be travelling out of Dubai for their summer vacations. They are keen to get the vaccine before they leave. But we are unable to give them a commitment on when we will get stocks,” said an official at the Unicare clinic in Bur Dubai which has 150 names on its waiting list.
But the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has allayed fears about the shortage. “The DHA Preventive Services Centres have sufficient stocks of all vaccines, including the typhoid vaccine. Those who want to avail of the vaccine should approach the DHA’s Traveller Clinic located in Al Mankhool. The clinic is open from Sunday through Thursday between 7:30am and 2:30pm.”
For information, call the clinic at: 04-502 1231/ 04-502 1274
