MUMBAI: The nation Covid taskforce as well as the recently featured paediatric taskforce have collectively suggested immunising every kid with the flu vaccine before monsoon. In a digital assembly conducted on Sunday, physicians from both specialist groups advised chief minister Uddhav Thackeray that administering the flu vaccine might help curb the prevalence of the disorder, which then will help decongest physicians and avoid unnecessary testing because the symptoms of seasonal influenza might mimic Covid-19.

Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP) urges the flu vaccine for kids under age five. The vaccine, which comprises two subtypes of flu A and 2 lineages of influenza B, also is most broadly available from the market, however it isn’t part of these vaccines given below the nationwide immunisation programme. It charges Rs 1,500-Rs2,000 to get one shot.

Dr Sanjay Oak, chairman of the country Covid taskforce, told the CM,”We’re of the view that the flu vaccine ought to be advised . Because it is pricey, it’s chiefly the middle class and upper class that could manage it. At the country level, we might think about decreasing the price or committing it to each kid at least at the subsequent six months” Dr Suhas Prabhu, who directs the paediatric taskforce, stated influenza patients may pose Covid-like symptoms. “If all of them start coming into hospitals and when RT-PCR must be achieved for everybody, there’ll be added costs and crowding in hospitals,” he explained. He advised the CM at least with this calendar year, the nation may create an exception and provide the vaccine to all kids.

CM Thackeray said the nation will definitely look at the proposal. “But we want more clarity on if asymptomatic Covid positive kid can choose the vaccine. Vaccination isn’t in any respect a problem however, when and where to vaccinate ought to be apparent to prevent additional complications,” said Thackeray.

Meanwhile, the members from the taskforces said kids who might have missed out in their regular immunisation doses because of a Covid disease should finish their own schedule. “It’s safe for a kid to find BCG, rubella or some other vaccine which they might have missed out if four months have passed since the beginning of Covid symptoms,” explained Dr Vijay Yewale, plus a part of their paediatric taskforce. (Inputs by Sujit Mahamulkar)