Srinagar: The Rotavirus vaccine, a key part of the national immunisation programme for infants, has been unavailable at the Immunization Section of SKIMS Soura and several other vaccination centres for over two months, causing growing concern among parents.
Despite repeated reminders to health authorities, the shortage continues, leaving infants vulnerable to preventable diarrhoeal diseases.
“We are asked to come back every week, but no one tells us when the vaccine will actually be available,” said a parent of a three-month-old child. “This is not optional. It is part of the government schedule, and delaying it puts our children at risk.”
Another parent said the lack of communication has added to the distress. “There is no notice, no explanation. Parents are being forced to move from one centre to another with small babies, even in harsh winter conditions,” she said.
Health experts say timely administration of the Rotavirus vaccine is crucial, as delays can reduce its effectiveness and increase the risk of severe gastroenteritis in infants.
Parents alleged that the issue has been flagged through multiple reminders to hospital authorities, but without any visible response. “We have reminded them again and again, but it feels like no one is listening,” a father said.
Repeated attempts to seek clarity from officials have so far failed to produce a timeline for restoring vaccine supplies, raising concerns over gaps in essential child healthcare services.
