Swine flu vaccines and medicines available in the market can now be used by the public under medical supervision. The decision was taken at a meeting held by Health minister Anant Mishra. In a meeting, Mishra said the vaccines and medicines available in Schedule X medical shops can be taken by anyone under medical supervision.
Till now, the medicines were available only at the government hospitals and vaccines were provided by the government only to the doctors handling swine flu patients.
Earlier this month, the Chief Medical Officer, Lucknow, had stopped a vaccination camp for swine flu scheduled to be held in some private schools of Lucknow. According to a government release, the minister instructed all CMOs through videoconferencing to first vaccinate themselves and be vigilant about the control of the disease.
He also said all swine flu patients need not be admitted in hospitals, though each district must have a separate 10 bedded swine flu ward ready. The admission and test of patients is at the discretion of the CMO, said Mishra.
Mishra said the patients can be quarantined at home and the rapid response team should ensure that the required medicines and vaccines reach the patients? homes.