By Digital Spartans 
The National Institute of Health (NIH) continues to struggle with a persistent shortage of its anti-allergy vaccine, leaving thousands of patients without treatment and causing significant financial losses for the institution. According to official sources, between 1,200 and 1,500 patients are being turned away each day due to the unavailability of the vaccine.
The shortage has resulted in an estimated daily loss of Rs1.2 million to Rs1.5 million. Over time, the cumulative losses have reached into the billions, while patients are repeatedly advised to return after two weeks, hoping for improved supply conditions.
The NIH Anti-Allergy Center plays a critical role in providing annual and seasonal allergy care for residents of Islamabad and surrounding regions. Patients rely heavily on the center for controlled immunotherapy, making the current shortage particularly difficult for those requiring regular dosing.
Dr. Zulfiqar Soomro, Incharge of the NIH Anti-Allergy Center, said the situation is expected to stabilize soon, noting that the shortage stemmed from delays in acquiring phenol, which is essential for vaccine formulation. He explained that the production process involves multiple stages, each designed to ensure patient safety and consistent potency.
Dr. Soomro added that once phenol arrived last week, the vaccine entered the mandatory testing and evaluation phase. The process typically takes 10 to 15 days, during which the formulation is assessed for safety, sterility, and reaction control. Only after these checks can the vaccine be approved for patient use.
The rigorous testing is meant to prevent any adverse reactions, particularly for immunotherapy patients who rely on precise dosing. However, the timeframe has also contributed to the prolonged shortage, further straining the center’s capacity.
NIH officials acknowledge the frustration of patients who depend on scheduled allergy injections to manage chronic conditions. Many individuals have reported multiple visits within the last month without receiving treatment, raising concerns about deteriorating health and inconsistent care access.
As testing nears completion, the authorities hope to restore vaccine availability soon and mitigate further patient inconvenience. The NIH has assured the public that corrective measures are underway to prevent a similar supply disruption in the future.