image credit- shutterstock
Ahmedabad-based Zydus Lifesciences has announced the launch of its trivalent influenza (Flu) vaccine VaxiFlu introduced for the first time in India, aligning with the global recommendations of WHO.
Flu remains a significant global health concern of seasonal influenza annually, causing 3–5 million cases of severe illness with 290,000 to 650,000 respiratory deaths annually. The disease disproportionately affects vulnerable populations such as infants, the elderly, and individuals with chronic conditions.
Vaxiflu - Trivalent Influenza Vaccine (TIV) is recommended for individuals aged 6 months and above. It contains latest, updated strains selected based on WHO’s annual surveillance and recommendations, ensuring optimal protection and precision targeted vaccination for the current season.
Speaking on the transition to the trivalent vaccine, Dr Parvaiz Koul, - FRCP (Pulmonary Medicine) (Royal College of Physicians, London), FERS (Fellow of European Respiratory Society) said, “Influenza vaccination remains the most effective preventive measure against seasonal influenza and its complications. Globally, the influenza vaccine is available as quadrivalent and trivalent formulations. Given the global pattern of influenza virus circulation since March 2020, with no circulation of influenza B Yamagata virus, the global regulatory bodies like WHO, CDC, etc, have clearly recommended that B/Yamagata should no longer be a component of the vaccine formulation. Nearly 40 countries, including the US, have already adopted the trivalent vaccine. Under such circumstances, the trivalent influenza vaccine is the most scientific formulation for use. Pertinent to add that influenza B/Yamagata has not been reported from India either and as such trivalent formulation is clearly the way forward. There is no point vaccinating against a virus which is no longer in circulation for the past 5 years.”
