Influenza vaccination, building greater awareness vital in public healthcare: Zydus

In India, seasonal influenza occurs year-round, with distinct peaks during the monsoon and winter months
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RAO GN

Influenza vaccination and building greater awareness of its critical role in protecting communities and safeguarding public health is vital, according to Sharvil Patel, Managing Director, Zydus Lifesciences.

He was speaking at a health symposium organised here on Monday to bring together leading healthcare professionals to discuss the transition to the updated influenza vaccination guidelines recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), ahead of the flu season in India that begins in September.

“Prevention is the foundation of good health, and vaccines remain one of the most effective tools to protect people and improve overall well-being. Influenza continues to present a recurring challenge, triggering seasonal outbreaks and adding significant strain on healthcare systems,’‘ he said. 

Timely vaccination is essential in reducing transmission, lessening the severity of illness, and preventing complications, particularly among high-risk and vulnerable groups, he said.

 “At Zydus, we are dedicated to strengthening preventive healthcare by advocating influenza vaccination and building greater awareness of its critical role in protecting communities and safeguarding public health,’‘ he added. 

In India, seasonal influenza occurs year-round, with distinct peaks during the monsoon and winter months. Each year, the disease causes significant illness and mortality, though the true number of influenza-related deaths is difficult to capture due to limited routine testing, inadequate surveillance, and infrequent certification of influenza as the cause of death. 

Estimates suggest that of the 1.27 lakh annual deaths linked to influenza, nearly 65% occur among adults over 65 years of age, while 15-20 pc are seen in children under five. These trends highlight the urgent need for annual vaccination of nationally defined target groups, with vaccine formulations tailored to the strains currently in circulation.

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Published on August 25, 2025