Aggressive H3N2 variant prompts changes to this year’s flu shot | India News
New Delhi: After a year marked by an early and sharp rise in flu cases in several countries, India is set to update its seasonal influenza vaccine to deal with fast-spreading new strains, reports Anuja Jaiswal.WHO has issued its annual recommendations for the 2026-27 Northern Hemisphere flu season, based on global surveillance data showing that a new A(H3N2) variant, known as subclade K, is becoming dominant. India, as part of the Northern Hemisphere, follows these guidelines every year to decide which strains will be covered in the flu shot.The new strain appears to spread more easily than previous versions. While not necessarily more severe for every infected person, its higher transmissibility has led to higher case numbers and earlier-than-usual flu activity in many areas.“The updated recommendations are timely due to the rapid global spread of new strains,” said Dr Romel Tiku, director of internal medicine at Max Hospital in Saket. “H3N2 strains are often associated with more severe illness, especially in the elderly and those with medical conditions. Because influenza viruses keep changing, it’s important to update the vaccine every year. Early vaccination of high-risk groups can reduce complications and hospitalizations.”WHO has recommended updated components for H1N1, H3N2 and B/Victoria strains. Indian vaccine manufacturers will now align production to match this strain so that the maximum pre-infection dose is available. Doctors recommend getting a flu shot before winter.
