Zydus Lifesciences just launched a flu shot for the latest virus strain—should you get it?

Zydus Lifesciences has introduced VaxiFlu-4, India‘s first quadrivalent inactivated influenza vaccine designed to combat the latest flu strains for the 2025 Southern Hemisphere flu season. The vaccine aligns with World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations, ensuring protection against evolving influenza viruses. Approved by the Central Drug Laboratory (CDL), VaxiFlu-4 is expected to play a critical role in seasonal flu protection by reducing the risk of infections and complications associated with the virus.

With influenza continuing to pose a public health risk, particularly among vulnerable groups such as young children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic illnesses, influenza prevention measures remain a priority. The launch of VaxiFlu-4 offers new flu virus protection, mitigating the chances of severe outbreaks. The quadrivalent nature of the vaccine means it targets four dominant flu virus strains, offering a broader defense against influenza A and influenza B variants.

How does VaxiFlu-4 work against new flu virus strains?

Influenza viruses undergo frequent genetic changes, necessitating annual updates in vaccine composition. VaxiFlu-4 has been formulated in accordance with WHO’s updated guidelines, covering the following flu virus strains for 2025: A/Victoria/4897/2022 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus, A/Croatia/10136RV/2023 (H3N2)-like virus, B/Austria/1359417/2021 (B/Victoria lineage)-like virus, and B/Phuket/3073/2013 (B/Yamagata lineage)-like virus.

By including two influenza A strains and two influenza B strains, VaxiFlu-4 significantly reduces the risk of vaccine mismatch, ensuring that recipients receive optimal seasonal flu protection. Since flu viruses evolve each year, annual flu vaccination remains the best strategy to prevent severe infections and reduce hospitalisation risks.

Why is flu vaccination critical for public health?

Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory infection that spreads through airborne droplets from coughing, sneezing, or direct contact with contaminated surfaces. The severity of flu symptoms varies, but in high-risk groups, complications can lead to pneumonia, hospitalisation, and even death. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that seasonal flu results in 290,000 to 650,000 deaths worldwide each year.

In India, where awareness of flu prevention measures remains limited, the availability of an updated, cost-effective flu vaccine like VaxiFlu-4 represents a crucial advancement in public health protection. Flu vaccination efforts not only protect individuals but also contribute to herd immunity, reducing transmission rates within the community.

What does Zydus Lifesciences aim to achieve with VaxiFlu-4?

Zydus Lifesciences has positioned itself as a key player in India’s preventive healthcare landscape, with a strong focus on influenza prevention measures and vaccine accessibility. The company’s Managing Director, Dr. Sharvil Patel, highlighted the importance of affordable, high-quality vaccines, stating that preventive healthcare solutions such as VaxiFlu-4 are essential to improving overall public health standards.

The company’s Vaccine Technology Centre (VTC) in Ahmedabad has been at the forefront of vaccine development, successfully producing a range of vaccines, including those for typhoid, hepatitis B, MMR, and rabies. With the launch of VaxiFlu-4, Zydus Lifesciences continues its mission to enhance seasonal flu protection and influenza control measures.

How does VaxiFlu-4 compare to other flu vaccines?

Unlike traditional trivalent flu vaccines, which provide protection against three strains, quadrivalent vaccines like VaxiFlu-4 offer broader coverage by including an additional B lineage strain. This ensures that individuals receive new flu virus protection with minimal risk of strain mismatches.

The effectiveness of flu vaccination efforts depends largely on how well the vaccine matches circulating strains. By strictly following WHO recommendations, Zydus Lifesciences has ensured that VaxiFlu-4 is optimally designed to fight the 2025 flu virus variants, offering comprehensive influenza protection.

Who should get vaccinated with VaxiFlu-4?

Annual flu vaccination is recommended for all age groups, but certain populations are at higher risk of severe flu-related complications. These include children under five years old, elderly individuals above 65 years, pregnant women, individuals with weakened immune systems, and people with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease.

For these groups, seasonal flu protection is especially crucial, as influenza can lead to severe respiratory distress and secondary infections. Healthcare workers and those in close-contact professions are also strongly advised to receive annual flu vaccinations to prevent outbreaks.

What are the long-term benefits of widespread flu vaccination?

Expanding access to affordable flu vaccines such as VaxiFlu-4 contributes to long-term public health benefits by reducing flu-related hospitalisation rates, minimising workforce absenteeism, and easing the burden on healthcare systems during peak flu seasons.

Global health experts agree that increased flu vaccination efforts lead to lower infection rates, reduced transmission among vulnerable groups, decreased reliance on antiviral medications, and improved community immunity. With flu seasons becoming increasingly unpredictable due to climate factors and virus mutations, having access to an updated flu vaccine each year is critical to ensuring effective influenza prevention measures.

The introduction of VaxiFlu-4 by Zydus Lifesciences marks a significant milestone in India’s flu prevention strategy. As flu viruses continue to evolve, new flu virus protection remains a top priority for public health authorities. By offering an updated quadrivalent vaccine with broad-spectrum influenza protection, Zydus Lifesciences is addressing the ongoing challenge of seasonal flu outbreaks.

As flu season approaches, experts continue to stress the importance of influenza prevention measures and annual flu vaccinations. With VaxiFlu-4 now available in India, individuals have access to an effective, science-backed flu vaccine that can help curb infection rates and reduce flu-related complications.