Self-vaccinations on the rise

Maldives residents are privately vaccinating themselves against the H1N1 ‘swine flu’ virus by obtaining the drug overseas, reports Haveeru.

The Health Ministry has expressed concern over the quality of the privately-imported vaccines, and asked people to be aware of the hazards of taking a substance not yet registered with the Food and Drug Authority.

The Maldives is unlikely to receive the vaccine soon, several doctors have revealed, although the country’s stock of flu treatment drug Tamiflu is said to be sufficient.