Zydus Lifesciences Introduces WHO-Recommended Flu Vaccine for 2025
As the world continues to battle the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, another significant threat to global health remains the seasonal flu. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that every year, the flu causes millions of illnesses, hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations, and tens of thousands of deaths worldwide. To combat this, Zydus Lifesciences has launched VaxiFlu-4, a WHO-approved quadrivalent influenza vaccine for 2025.
Developed at Zydus’ Vaccine Technology Centre, VaxiFlu-4 is designed to protect against major flu strains, providing broader immunity and reducing the risk of mismatches. This cutting-edge vaccine aims to enhance flu prevention and public health in India, making it a crucial addition to the country’s vaccination arsenal.
The Importance of Seasonal Flu Vaccination
Seasonal flu vaccines are essential for protecting individuals, especially high-risk groups such as the elderly, young children, and people with compromised immune systems. The flu virus is constantly evolving, and the vaccine is updated annually to match the most prevalent strains. VaxiFlu-4 is no exception, having been specifically designed to combat the four most common flu strains expected to circulate in the 2025 season.
Influenza vaccination is crucial for several reasons:
- Reduces the risk of severe illness: Flu vaccination significantly reduces the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and even death from the flu.
- Protects vulnerable populations: Vaccination is particularly important for high-risk groups, such as the elderly, young children, and individuals with chronic medical conditions, who are more susceptible to severe flu complications.
- Reduces transmission: By getting vaccinated, individuals not only protect themselves but also help reduce the transmission of the flu virus to others.
VaxiFlu-4: A WHO-Recommended Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine
VaxiFlu-4 is a quadrivalent influenza vaccine, meaning it protects against four different flu strains:
- A/H1N1 (pandemic influenza A)
- A/H3N2 (seasonal influenza A)
- B/Victoria (seasonal influenza B)
- B/Yamagata (seasonal influenza B)
This quadrivalent formulation provides broader immunity against the most common flu strains, reducing the risk of mismatches and increasing the effectiveness of the vaccine.
Key Features of VaxiFlu-4
- WHO-approved: VaxiFlu-4 has received WHO approval, ensuring that it meets international standards for quality, safety, and efficacy.
- Quadrivalent protection: The vaccine provides protection against four different flu strains, increasing the chances of effective protection against the flu.
- Reduced risk of mismatches: By covering a broader range of flu strains, VaxiFlu-4 reduces the risk of mismatches, which can occur when the vaccine is designed to protect against a specific strain that is not circulating in a given season.
- Enhanced public health: VaxiFlu-4 aims to enhance public health in India by providing a safe and effective vaccine against the flu, reducing the burden on healthcare systems and protecting vulnerable populations.
Conclusion
The launch of VaxiFlu-4 by Zydus Lifesciences marks a significant milestone in India’s efforts to combat the flu. As the country continues to battle the COVID-19 pandemic, it is essential to maintain a robust vaccination program to protect against other significant health threats like the flu.
VaxiFlu-4, with its WHO-approval and quadrivalent formulation, is a vital addition to India’s vaccination arsenal. By getting vaccinated with VaxiFlu-4, individuals can reduce their risk of severe illness, protect vulnerable populations, and contribute to the broader effort to enhance public health.
Source:
https://www.healthcareradius.in/features/pharma/zydus-lifesciences-virus-flu
