“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,” said Dr Parvaiz Koul, on the transition to the trivalent vaccine.
Influenza continues to pose a major global health challenge, with seasonal outbreaks leading to an estimated 3 to 5 million cases of severe illness each year, and between 2.9 lakh and 6.5 lakh deaths related to respiratory complications, the company said. This puts vulnerable groups, such as young children, older adults, and those with chronic health issues, especially at risk.
While agencies like the WHO and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continue to enhance surveillance efforts and improve vaccine accessibility, disparities in coverage persist. Strengthening global readiness and ensuring fair distribution of vaccines are essential steps in reducing the worldwide impact of influenza, the official release mentioned.Since March 2020, global findings show that the influenza B/Yamagata strain has not been in circulation. Reflecting this trend, leading health authorities such as the WHO and CDC have advised that this strain be excluded from vaccine formulations, Dr Koul said.
As a result, nearly 40 countries, including the United States, have already transitioned to using trivalent influenza vaccines. Given the absence of B/Yamagata cases in India as well, the scientific consensus supports adopting the trivalent vaccine approach. Continuing to immunise against a virus strain that has not circulated for five years offers no practical benefit, he added.
“We believe that this will significantly reduce vaccine-preventable diseases and related complications in high-risk groups,” Dr. Sharvil Patel, the Managing Director of Zydus Lifesciences Ltd, said.
Shares of Zydus Lifesciences were trading 0.87% higher at ₹999.3 apiece on the BSE at 1:21 p.m.
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