Experts Propose Biannual Vaccination Strategy to Combat India's Substantial Influenza Burden
India faces a significant but underestimated burden of influenza, with two distinct seasonal peaks: winter (January-March) and post-monsoon (July-September). Current influenza vaccines provide short-lived protection, with antibody levels declining significantly within three to six months. Because the virus undergoes constant antigenic drift, experts suggest that a single annual shot is insufficient for year-round protection in India's tropical climate. The article advocates for a biannual vaccination schedule (June and November) and the inclusion of influenza vaccines in the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) to reduce hospitalisations and deaths, particularly among children and the elderly who are most at risk.
Key Points
- India experiences two influenza peaks, unlike temperate countries which typically have one winter peak.
- Vaccine effectiveness drops significantly within 90 days, leaving populations vulnerable during the second annual peak.
- Less than 5% of Indians currently receive influenza vaccines due to a lack of government policy and public awareness.
- Biannual vaccination could be made affordable by leveraging India's strong domestic vaccine production capacity.
Exam Facts
- Influenza peaks in India: January-March and July-September.
- Vaccine protection duration: 3 to 6 months.
- Common strains: H1N1 (swine flu), H3N2, and Influenza B.
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