Zydus Lifesciences Ltd., a global innovation-driven healthcare company, has officially launched its trivalent influenza vaccine, VaxiFlu™, marking the first time this vaccine is introduced in India. The launch aligns with WHO's global influenza recommendations and is aimed at tackling seasonal flu, a major global health concern. Each year, influenza causes 3-5 million cases of severe illness and between 290,000 to 650,000 respiratory-related deaths worldwide, affecting especially vulnerable groups such as infants, the elderly, and people with chronic health conditions.
Seasonal flu viruses mutate rapidly, requiring annual updates to vaccine compositions based on global surveillance, including WHO's Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS). Despite international efforts from organizations like WHO and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to improve vaccine coverage, gaps remain. Ensuring equitable vaccine access and preparedness is critical in reducing the global burden of influenza.
According to WHO's 2025-26 recommendations for the Northern Hemisphere, the B/Yamagata lineage strain has not been detected naturally since March 2020. This indicates a very low risk of infection, making its inclusion in influenza vaccines unnecessary. The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), India, has also endorsed the use of Trivalent Influenza Vaccines for the NH 2025-26 season, reflecting global guidelines.
Influenza, a highly contagious respiratory illness, spreads primarily through airborne droplets from coughing and sneezing, as well as direct contact. Zydus Lifesciences' VaxiFlu™ Trivalent Influenza Vaccine (TIV) is recommended for individuals aged six months and above. It contains the latest, updated strains carefully selected based on WHO's annual surveillance and recommendations, ensuring targeted, season-specific protection for optimal immunity.