Less than four months since one of China's most serious public health scandals, cities such as Beijing and Guangzhou have seen a growing demand for flu vaccines. But many are facing an out-of-stock situation as peak season approaches. CGTN's Sun Tianyuan reports.

A vaccine shortage several weeks into flu season. Cities like Beijing face a tight supply this winter.

DR. JIA YUEMING, CHIEF OF PHARMACY OASIS INTERNATIONAL HOSPITAL "We've seen a deficit in flu vaccines since the end of October. So far we only have half of the population covered. So some patients may not have the chance to get shots."

After one of China's most serious public health scandals, drug regulators revoked the license of the nation's fourth largest flu vaccine manufacturer. 3.5 million doses short, Changsheng Biotech's absence has proven devastating. The country has only issued 14 million flu vaccines so far this year, half of what was issued in 2017. Dr. Jia says the Beijing center for disease control has helped local hospitals, but the arrival of follow-ups remains unknown.

SUN TIANYUAN BEIJING "China's flu vaccine is in short supply and a replenishment may still be a long way off. Add to that, there's a greater demand this season. Frightened by last year's flu outbreak, people have been eagerly waiting for a shot."

DR. JIA YUEMING, CHIEF OF PHARMACY OASIS INTERNATIONAL HOSPITAL "The public has more awareness of the flu, so demand is high. We often get calls from patients, asking whether the hospital has any vaccines available, or questioning why isn't it in stock yet."

Between last November and March of this year, 129 Chinese died from flu, six times higher than 2016's numbers. And vaccines are not a cure-all.

DR. QIU MEILAN, GENERAL PRACTITIONER OASIS INTERNATIONAL HOSPITAL "No vaccine can prevent influenza 100 percent effectively. For example, if one gets a Type C vaccine and is infected by Type A flu. Then it's no use. Vaccines cannot cover everything nor everyone."

Doctors also advise keeping away from big crowds of people and staying indoors on smoggy days. They say exercising, drinking more water, and taking some traditional Chinese medicines are all good ways to maintain good health. Sun Tianyuan, CGTN, Beijing.