Zydus Lifesciences Launched VaxiFlu, The India's First Trivalent Influenza Vaccine.

When flu season rolls around each year, the stakes are higher than we realize. Seasonal influenza infects millions across the globe and can be particularly dangerous for children, the elderly, and people with chronic health conditions. Now, there’s some important news for India: Zydus Lifesciences has just launched VaxiFlu, the country’s first trivalent influenza vaccine.

Why is this important?

Until recently, most seasonal flu vaccines offered in India were quadrivalent—covering four flu virus strains, including the B/Yamagata lineage. But here’s the catch: the B/Yamagata strain hasn’t been seen anywhere in the world since 2020. Both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) now recommend dropping it altogether.

That’s why more than 40 countries, including the U.S., have already switched to trivalent vaccines. With VaxiFlu™, Zydus becomes the first Indian company to make this scientific transition.

What does this vaccine protect against?

The new trivalent VaxiFlu™ has been developed in line with WHO’s recommendations for the 2025–26 Northern Hemisphere flu season. It includes protection against three updated flu virus strains:

• H1N1 (A/Victoria/4897/2022-like virus)

• H3N2 (A/Croatia/10136RV/2023-like virus)

• Influenza B (B/Austria/1359417/2021-like virus, Victoria lineage)

By removing unnecessary coverage against a non-circulating virus, the vaccine is more relevant, targeted, and globally aligned.

Dr. Parvaiz Koul, Director at SKIMS and a leading flu expert, summed it up perfectly: “There’s no reason to vaccinate against a virus that isn’t in circulation. The trivalent vaccine is the right scientific choice today.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Sharvil Patel, Managing Director of Zydus Lifesciences, emphasized the company’s larger vision: “Vaccines are the cornerstone of preventive health. Our aim is to bring India on par with international standards and protect high-risk groups from vaccine-preventable complications.”

Endorsed at the national level

The launch has also received a nod from India’s National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), which has endorsed the use of trivalent influenza vaccines for the upcoming flu season.

Who can get VaxiFlu?

The vaccine will be available for everyone six months and older, ensuring broad immunity against the most likely strains to circulate in the coming season.

The bigger picture

With influenza causing 3–5 million severe cases and up to 650,000 respiratory deaths worldwide each year, the need for stronger preventive tools is undeniable. Zydus’ VaxiFlu™ marks a milestone in India’s fight against seasonal influenza and reflects the country’s growing alignment with global healthcare standards.

India now has access to one of the most updated flu vaccines in the world, and it’s a timely step towards better protection for communities most at risk.

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