Nisha Pandey

As India Faces Flu Vaccine Shortage Amid H1N1 Surge, ICMR Recommends Alternative: Expert Explains If You Should Take It

With <span>H1N1</span> outbreak expanding in Delhi, India is witnessing an overwhelming increase in seasonal influenza cases. To compound to the public health issue, the flu <span>vaccine</span> that best matches the viruses currently circulating in the country is facing a supply shortage. 

Therefore, the <span>Indian Council of Medical Research</span> (<span>ICMR</span>) has advised that another seasonal <span>influenza vaccine</span> can be used temporarily until the one preferred becomes available again. 

The ICMR recommendation comes after influenza surveillance found that viruses circulating in India have a closer match with the strains included in this year’s <span>Northern Hemisphere</span> (NH) vaccine. 

However, the <span>Southern Hemisphere</span> (SH) vaccine, which is available in India, can still provide protection against several viruses circulating in the country. 

<h2>Why Is There A Shortage Of Flu Vaccine In The First Place? </h2>

According to ICMR, the NH vaccine would be the ideal choice because its composition closely matches the <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/h5n1-detected-in-captive-mink-in-us-for-first-time-should-you-be-concerned-article-156036350" data-type="tilCustomLink">influenza viruses</a> currently detected in India. 

ICMR said, “Since the surveillance data indicates close resemblance of the circulating influenza strains in India with the Northern Hemisphere recommendations of WHO, it would be ideal to administer the NH vaccine.” 

“However, in view of non-availability of NH vaccine, the available SH vaccine may be used, and SH vaccine be replaced with NH vaccine as soon as it becomes available,” it added. 

According to several reports, the shortage is starting to affect hospital supplies, including government supply of the preferred vaccine. 

The surge in demand, production timelines, limited imports and redistribution of vaccines globally could be the factors driving the shortage currently.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/icmr-study-shows-pune-dengue-mosquitoes-resist-insecticides-what-it-means-for-public-health-article-156126538" data-type="tilCustomLink">ICMR Study Shows Pune Dengue Mosquitoes Resistant To Insecticides: What It Means for Public Health</a> 

<h2>Does The Available Southern Hemisphere Vaccine Protect Against H1N1? </h2>

The current <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/h1n1-in-delhi-166-fresh-cases-in-24-hours-tally-rises-to-2612-article-155999548" data-type="tilCustomLink">H1N1 virus</a> circulating in India can be tackled by both the NH and SH vaccines. The difference is primarily in the strains of the other influenza viruses they target, particularly H3N2 and influenza B. 

ICMR surveillance has detected H1N1, H3N2 and influenza B viruses circulating in India. The NH vaccine contains versions of H3N2 and influenza B that more closely match the strains currently being detected. 

India's <span>National Centre for Disease Control</span> has also previously advised that when the latest recommended seasonal formulation is unavailable, the latest available trivalent or quadrivalent influenza vaccine may be used.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/98-years-after-penicillin-are-we-running-out-of-effective-antibiotics-article-156038170" data-type="tilCustomLink">98 Years After Penicillin, Are We Running Out Of Effective Antibiotics?</a> 

<h2>Should You Wait For The Preferred Vaccine? </h2>

H1N1 Cases Surge in Delhi: Doctor Explains Symptoms, Warning Signs, Vaccine & Treatment

People who are at higher risk of severe influenza, doctors say that said it may not be necessary to remain unvaccinated while waiting for the <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/h1n1-and-sudden-vision-changes-when-flu-related-eye-symptoms-need-medical-attention-article-155988725" data-type="tilCustomLink">NH vaccine</a>. 

These include older adults, young children, pregnant women and people with chronic illnesses or weak immune system. Influenza can cause complications like pneumonia and can worsen existing medical conditions in vulnerable people. 

<strong><em>HealthandMe </em></strong>spoke to <strong>Dr. Divya K S, Infectious Disease Specialist at <span rel="noindex">Apollo Hospitals</span>, Seshadripuram, Bangalore</strong>, about the efficacy of SH vaccine on H1N1. The doctor also explained if one should wait for NH vaccine. 

The doctor explains, “People should take the Southern Hemisphere vaccine which is available for now rather than wait. Because waiting now means leaving people with no protection at all while active flu season is on. Bothe the vaccines do have some components in common. So taking the SH vaccine does give protection 

The expert also clarified if <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/delhi-h1n1-cases-cross-2300-no-new-strain-flu-mostly-self-limiting-says-icmr-chief-article-155985377" data-type="tilCustomLink">SH vaccine</a> offers complete adequate coverage on current H1N1 strain. 

She added, “On H1N1 specifically, the SH vaccine offers full expected protection, because the H1N1 strain — A/Missouri/11/2025-like virus — is identical in both the NH and SH formulations this season. it is H3N2. B/Victoria strains that are different from the NH vaccine.”

India's influenza surveillance network continually tracks circulating strains and helps determine which vaccine is likely to offer the best match. This year's ICMR assessment is why the NH formulation is preferred, but the SH vaccine still remains a practical alternative while supplies are limited. Experts recommend taking it instead of staying unprotected.

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With H1N1 outbreak expanding in Delhi, India is witnessing an overwhelming increase in seasonal influenza cases. To compound to the public health issue, the flu vaccine that best matches the viruses currently circulating in the country is facing a supply shortage. Therefore, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has advised that another seasonal influenza vaccine can be used temporarily until the one preferred becomes available again. The ICMR recommendation comes after influenza surveillance found that viruses circulating in India have a closer match with the strains included in this year’s Northern Hemisphere (NH) vaccine. However, the Southern Hemisphere (SH) vaccine, which is available in India, can still provide protection against several viruses circulating in the country. Why Is There A Shortage Of Flu Vaccine In The First Place? According to ICMR, the NH vaccine would be the ideal choice because its composition closely matches the influenza viruses currently detected in India. ICMR said, “Since the surveillance data indicates close resemblance of the circulating influenza strains in India with the Northern Hemisphere recommendations of WHO, it would be ideal to administer the NH vaccine.” “However, in view of non-availability of NH vaccine, the available SH vaccine may be used, and SH vaccine be replaced with NH vaccine as soon as it becomes available,” it added. According to several reports, the shortage is starting to affect hospital supplies, including government supply of the preferred vaccine. The surge in demand, production timelines, limited imports and redistribution of vaccines globally could be the factors driving the shortage currently.Also read: ICMR Study Shows Pune Dengue Mosquitoes Resistant To Insecticides: What It Means for Public Health Does The Available Southern Hemisphere Vaccine Protect Against H1N1? The current H1N1 virus circulating in India can be tackled by both the NH and SH vaccines. The difference is primarily in the strains of the other influenza viruses they target, particularly H3N2 and influenza B. ICMR surveillance has detected H1N1, H3N2 and influenza B viruses circulating in India. The NH vaccine contains versions of H3N2 and influenza B that more closely match the strains currently being detected. India's National Centre for Disease Control has also previously advised that when the latest recommended seasonal formulation is unavailable, the latest available trivalent or quadrivalent influenza vaccine may be used.Also read: 98 Years After Penicillin, Are We Running Out Of Effective Antibiotics? Should You Wait For The Preferred Vaccine?                   People who are at higher risk of severe influenza, doctors say that said it may not be necessary to remain unvaccinated while waiting for the NH vaccine. These include older adults, young children, pregnant women and people with chronic illnesses or weak immune system. Influenza can cause complications like pneumonia and can worsen existing medical conditions in vulnerable people. HealthandMe spoke to Dr. Divya K S, Infectious Disease Specialist at Apollo Hospitals, Seshadripuram, Bangalore, about the efficacy of SH vaccine on H1N1. The doctor also explained if one should wait for NH vaccine. The doctor explains, “People should take the Southern Hemisphere vaccine which is available for now rather than wait. Because waiting now means leaving people with no protection at all while active flu season is on. Bothe the vaccines do have some components in common. So taking the SH vaccine does give protection The expert also clarified if SH vaccine offers complete adequate coverage on current H1N1 strain. She added, “On H1N1 specifically, the SH vaccine offers full expected protection, because the H1N1 strain — A/Missouri/11/2025-like virus — is identical in both the NH and SH formulations this season. it is H3N2. B/Victoria strains that are different from the NH vaccine.”India's influenza surveillance network continually tracks circulating strains and helps determine which vaccine is likely to offer the best match. This year's ICMR assessment is why the NH formulation is preferred, but the SH vaccine still remains a practical alternative while supplies are limited. Experts recommend taking it instead of staying unprotected.

as india faces flu vaccine shortage amid h1n1 surge, icmr recommends alternative: expert explains if you should take it

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As India Faces Flu Vaccine Shortage Amid H1N1 Surge, ICMR Recommends Alternative: Expert Explains If You Should Take It

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