H1N1 ka Hero Number 1

State's only doc brave enough to take swine flu vaccine from the 30 selected on Day 1 of health workers' inoculation says he decided to go for it as he feels the virus is deadlier than the vaccine

Anaesthetist V R Nalawade yesterday became the first doctor in the state to receive the preventive H1N1 vaccine imported from France. In an exclusive interview minutes before taking the vaccine, Dr Nalawade confessed that he had read several articles on the vaccine to learn about any side effects before agreeing to take it.

"Though I did have the jitters, I agreed to take it because I feel the virus is deadlier than the vaccine," said Nalawade. "But I did read up on all the data available on the swine flu vaccine for side effects and went over efficacy studies, and I feel this injectable vaccine is safer than the nasal one."

The doctor, who is from Satara but has been working with the Aundh Civil Hospital in the city for four years now, took the vaccine in the presence of senior doctors at the hospital.

The atmosphere was a bit sombre when a nurse prepared the vaccine to be injected, but Nalawade lightened the mood by joking that the others should wait to see if all was well with him before getting vaccinated.

"With a past history of bypass surgery, and given my proximity to H1N1 patients, I come under the high-risk group and that's why I opted for the vaccine," he said.

Imported vaccine
The French vaccine manufactured by pharma major Sanofi Aventis arrived a few days ago in the city. Procured by the government for doctors and health care workers who come in close contact with swine flu patients, the inoculation is free of cost.

While the district received a total of 11,315 doses, these were distributed to various hospitals in the district and Aundh Civil Hospital became the first in the state to start the vaccination programme.

Speaking to MiD DAY, Dr M V Nagare, civil surgeon at Aundh hospital, said a total of 220 doctors are to be vaccinated at the hospital.

"It will be done over eight days in batches of about 30 doctors each," said Nagare.

Poor response
If the response to the vaccination effort on the first day is any indication, then the medical fraternity does not seem too enthusiastic about it. Instead of the 30-odd health workers scheduled to take the vaccine, only Nalawade showed up on the first day.

A senior doctor, speaking on condition of anonymity, said there was apprehension among healthy workers about the vaccine and it was now evident that people were staying away from the vaccination.

Senior officials at the hospital remained unfazed, and claimed that nothing was wrong with the programme.

"Yes, it is true that only one person was vaccinated, but there is nothing amiss in that fact. We are to vaccinate 220 people (at Aundh hospital) and that will happen in batches over a few days," said Dr B S Kamble, resident medical officer, Aundh civil hospital. "Everyone will get vaccinated, no one has refused."