Flu cases rise in Telangana: ICMR clarifies which vaccine to take

With flu and influenza cases rising in Telangana, doctors are urging vulnerable groups to get vaccinated. The ICMR has clarified that Southern Hemisphere flu vaccines can be used temporarily when Northern Hemisphere formulations are unavailable, ensuring high-risk groups receive protection.

Hyderabad: With seasonal flu and influenza cases on the rise in the State, physicians have started advocating vaccine shots for vulnerable populations, including senior citizens and individuals with co-morbid conditions.

While there were questions related to the specific formulation to take during the ongoing season, which typically spans the rainy and winter months, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has provided clarity on this.

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The ICMR has stated that if the standard Northern Hemisphere (NH) vaccine, available in the US and Europe, is unavailable, people can safely use the Southern Hemisphere (SH) vaccine as an interim substitute.

For vulnerable populations like pregnant women, senior citizens, and individuals with comorbid conditions like kidney, liver, and heart ailments, the existing commercial brands of flu vaccines already stocked in the Indian market can be utilised.

The flu shots, which are normally bought under regular brand names, will offer the necessary protection. Usually, doctors prefer the Northern Hemisphere version when they are available, as surveillance shows its strain components closely match the current local circulation. However, at present, due to logistical issues and import constraints, these are in short supply.

Senior doctors have said that instead of waiting for vaccines to be restocked, it’s better to opt for available vaccines that provide effective protection against dominant circulating strains, mainly Influenza A (H1N1).

While minor differences exist between the two vaccines, getting vaccinated with an existing approved flu shot makes sense, as it provides immediate protection, especially for high-risk groups.

What does the ICMR advisory say?

H1N1 and H3N2 variants of influenza circulating in Hyderabad

High-risk groups can get themselves vaccinated with existing stock of flu shots

Surveillance indicates circulating strains of virus in India and US/Europe resemble each other closely

Ideally, vaccines available in US/Europe should be administered

However, US/Europe flu shots are in short supply in India

Instead of waiting for US/Europe vaccines, vulnerable groups need to be vaccinated with available vaccine shots

US/Europe strains of vaccines can be administered later, whenever they are available