Flu shot to change this year as new H3N2 strain spreads fast | 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 better match the rapidly spreading new strain.D World Health Organization issued its annual recommendations for the 2026-27 Northern Hemisphere flu season, based on global surveillance data that included 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 are included in the flu shot.The new H3N2 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 in view of the rapid global spread of the new A(H3N2) variant,” said Dr Rommel Tiku, Director of Internal Medicine at Max Hospital, Saket. “H3N2 strains are often associated with more severe illness, especially in the elderly and those with other medical conditions. Because influenza viruses continue to change, it is important to update the vaccine each year. Early vaccination of high-risk groups can reduce complications and hospitalizations.”WHO Recommended updated material for H1N1, H3N2 and B/Victoria strains for the upcoming season. 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. Those who should be given priority for vaccination include older adults, pregnant women, health care workers, young children, people with chronic diseases, immunocompromised people, and people over 50 with underlying health conditions.Seasonal influenza causes an estimated 290,000 to 650,000 respiratory deaths worldwide each year. Although India does not have a universal flu vaccination program, experts say annual vaccination is important for vulnerable groups.With the announcement of the updated strain, Indian regulators are expected to review and clear the revised formulation soon, so that manufacturers can start production ahead of the 2026-27 flu season.
