Zydus Lifesciences unveiled India’s first trivalent influenza vaccination on Tuesday, in accordance with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) global guidelines.

Because seasonal influenza viruses change so quickly, vaccination formulations must be updated every year. Trivalent vaccinations were therefore suggested by the WHO for use during the Northern Hemisphere (NH) influenza season of 2025–2026.

For those 6 months of age and older, the new Vaxiflu-Trivalent Influenza Vaccine (TIV) is advised. According to the business, it will successfully prevent strains including the B/Austria/1359417/2021 (B/Victoria lineage)-like virus, the A/Croatia/10136RV/2023 (H3N2)-like virus, and the A/Victoria/4897/2022 (H1N1) pdm09-like virus.

There are trivalent and quadrivalent influenza vaccine formulations available worldwide.

In the past, India used a quadrivalent flu vaccination program that provided defense against both these strains and the influenza B Yamagata virus.

However, the influenza B Yamagata virus has not been in circulation since March 2020, even in India. This suggests an extremely low risk of illness; hence it is no longer required to include this strain in influenza vaccines.

The Trivalent Influenza vaccination was also suggested by the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC) to be used during the NH 2025–2026 season. The US is one of 40 nations that have embraced the trivalent vaccine, including India.

In an era where we are fighting a number of contagious and communicable diseases, vaccinations are crucial for wellbeing and good health. Since vaccinations are an essential component of preventative healthcare, we support ensuring timely access to them and adhering to international norms,” stated Dr. Sharvil Patel, Managing Director, Zydus Lifesciences.

“In high-risk groups, we think this will significantly reduce vaccine-preventable diseases and related complications,” he continued.

Every year, seasonal influenza causes between 290,000 and 650,000 respiratory fatalities and 3-5 million episodes of severe illness, making it a major worldwide health concern. Vulnerable populations, like the elderly, people with chronic illnesses, and infants, are disproportionately affected by the disease.

Influenza viruses are the cause of the flu, an infectious respiratory disease that is mostly transmitted by airborne respiratory droplets produced by sneezing, coughing, and direct contact.