Availability of Vaccines Against Swine Flu

Bengaluru, December 4, 2015: The Government of India has recommended trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine which is available in the country and can be obtained as per the requirement. Based on epidemiological evidence, the advice of World Health Organization (WHO), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and subject experts, the Government of India recommends vaccination of high risk groups with seasonal influenza vaccine.

The recommendations for prioritized groups are as given below:-

1. Healthcare workers, pregnant women, persons with chronic illnesses such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease, diabetes, cancer and those who are immune-compromised; children having chronic diseases like asthma, neuro-developmental conditions, heart diseases, kidney disorder, liver disorder, diabetes, blood disorders, metabolic disorders and immune-compromised.

2. Vaccine is desirable for elderly individuals (> 65 years of age) and children between 6 months to 8 years of age.

3. Keeping in mind that there may be enhanced Influenza A (H1N1) pdm 2009 virus activity, similar to that witnessed in the early part of this year, for the ensuing winter months from December, 2015- March, 2016, the currently available vaccine (Northern hemisphere trivalent vaccine for the winter of 2015-16) is recommended, as the Influenza A (H1N1) pdm 2009 sub type included in the vaccine remains the same since 2009. Further, this vaccine has the approval of Drug Controller General (I).

The Health Minister, Shri J P Nadda stated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha

Comm India(CCI Newswire)