Pakistan, Oct. 23 -- Pakistan's Health Minister Mustafa Kamal has denied reports of a nationwide flu vaccine shortage, saying several brands remain available. He said the current problem involves specific multinational brands awaiting government approval for their proposed prices. His remarks followed reports from Lahore medical stores of limited vaccine supplies. Store owners said the Chinese-manufactured vaccine was the only option available in small quantities.

Kamal told Geo News that the absence of certain brands, including Abbott, did not mean vaccines were unavailable across Pakistan. He said one manufacturer had sought a price increase after refusing to continue selling at the existing rate. Meanwhile, store owners reported that ...