ICMR Urges Flu Vaccination Amid H1N1 Surge in India

The ICMR recommends the Northern Hemisphere 2026-27 trivalent influenza vaccine to combat the current H1N1 surge, noting that circulating strains match the WHO-recommended composition.

Surveillance data from 73 sentinel sites identified 73 influenza isolates since July 1, 2025, including H1N1, H3N2, and Influenza B, all of which remain sensitive to the drug oseltamivir.

With private vaccination costs ranging from ₹2,000 to ₹2,500, health experts emphasize that the vaccine is critical for high-risk groups, including the elderly, pregnant women, and children.