KARACHI: Rising influenza cases in Karachi have prompted the Sindh government to make flu vaccination mandatory for Umrah pilgrims travelling through Karachi Airport, alongside existing meningitis and polio vaccination requirements.
Doctors have reported an approximately 20 per cent increase in influenza patients visiting public and private hospitals. Common symptoms include high fever, headaches, sore throats, dry coughs, chest infections and body aches.
Medical experts say some symptoms resemble those associated with Covid-19, although opinions differ over whether the circulating virus represents a new influenza strain or a change in an existing virus.
Pharmacist Dr Usman Ghani, who is involved in vaccine imports, said influenza viruses can change annually, making updated vaccines important for protection. He identified children and elderly people as particularly vulnerable to infection.
Ghani also raised concerns about the quality of imported vaccines, warning that products from unreliable suppliers could put public health at risk. He urged people to obtain vaccines through authorised and reputable sources.
According to Ghani, Pakistan imports approximately 700,000 influenza vaccine doses annually as demand increases. Seasonal influenza typically becomes more prevalent with the arrival of colder weather.
The vaccination requirements are particularly relevant for Umrah pilgrims, who gather in large numbers from different countries, increasing opportunities for infectious diseases to spread.
Under the reported procedure, pilgrims departing through Karachi Airport must receive influenza, meningitis and polio vaccinations, upload their vaccination receipts to the NADRA website and obtain a vaccination card for presentation at the airport.
The measures aim to strengthen protection against infectious diseases among international travellers. Health experts continue to emphasise vaccination, reliable vaccine supplies and preventive healthcare as important steps in reducing the spread and severity of seasonal influenza.
