Call for flu vaccinations for pregnant women, children under two

Islamabad: Medical experts have emphasised the urgent need for pregnant women, and children under the age of two to receive influenza vaccinations, as these groups face heightened risks of severe flu-related complications, including death.

The flu poses a particularly serious threat to infants in Pakistan, who frequently experience flu-related illnesses that often result in hospitalisation, they warned.

“The influenza vaccine should be a top priority for pregnant women, and children under two years old,” said Dr Fyezah Jehan, chair of paediatrics at the Aga Khan University (AKU), during a seminar on influenza organised by the university’s Department of Paediatrics & Child Health.

“This is especially important for babies born prematurely and those with underlying conditions such as cardiovascular disease or asthma.”

The event brought together experts from leading hospitals in Karachi, including the Indus Hospital’s Dr Samina Junejo, and the AKU’s Dr Qalab Abbas, Dr Ali Faisal Saleem and Dr Imran Nisar, who all echoed the need for timely flu vaccinations. The seminar concluded with a panel discussion led by Prof Fatima Mir and a Q&A session.

“Influenza can be deadly for young children, yet it often goes undiagnosed due to a lack of accessible testing,” said Dr Waseem Jamalvi, president of the Pakistan Paediatric Association of Sindh. “The key to reducing these fatalities is early identification and management.”

Prof Fatima observed that while influenza is preventable through vaccination, it often leads to severe outcomes if left untreated. “It can land children in the PICU [Paediatric Intensive Care Unit], and even on ventilators.”