Influenza Vaccination Strategy

Why in news?

In India, the burden of influenza is substantial but often underestimated, led to rethink India’s influenza vaccination strategy

• Influenza – Flu or influenza, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infects the nose, throat, and lungs.
• Caused by – Influenza virus.
• Symptoms – Include fever, head and body aches, coughing and a stuffy or runny nose.
• Worldwide, it’s a major cause of respiratory illness, hospitalization, and deaths, especially among children, older adults, and people with underlying medical conditions.
• Prevention – The best way to prevent the flu is to get an annual flu vaccine.
• India’s influenza outbreaks – Two distinct peaks - during the winter months (January-March) and in the post-monsoon period (July-September).
• Vaccines available in India – Inactivated influenza vaccines, administered by injection, and live attenuated vaccines, given as a nasal spray.

Currently, influenza vaccines aren’t part of the Universal Immunization Program (UIP).

• Despite flu vaccines having been available for over a decade now, less than 5% of Indians receive them.
• Reason for low vaccination – Perception that influenza is a minor illness, limited public awareness, and an absence of government policy support.
• Major concern – Standard influenza vaccines only provide 3 to 6 months of protection, leaves the population vulnerable for a significant portion of the year.
• Thus, an annual influenza vaccine doesn’t fit India’s reality.
• New alternatives –
  • To introduce a biannual influenza vaccination schedule backed by government policy for India;
  • By including it in the UIP;
  • Invest in more robust, community-level surveillance; and
  • Coupled with public awareness campaigns.

Reference

The Hindu | Rethink India’s influenza vaccination strategy