Aggressive H3N2 variant prompts changes to this year’s flu vaccine

New Delhi: India will update its seasonal flu vaccine to deal with fast-spreading new strains, Anuja Jaiswal reports, after a year that saw a sharp early rise in flu cases in several countries.The World Health Organization has released its annual recommendations for the 2026-27 Northern Hemisphere influenza season based on global surveillance data showing that a new A(H3N2) variant, known as the K clade, is becoming dominant. India, being part of the Northern Hemisphere, follows this guidance every year to decide which strains to cover in the flu vaccine.The new strain appears to spread more easily than earlier versions. While not necessarily more severe for everyone infected, its higher transmissibility has led to increased case numbers and earlier-than-usual flu activity in many areas.“The updated recommendations are timely given the rapid spread of new variants around the world,” said Dr. Rommel Tickoo, chief of internal medicine at Sackett Max Hospital. “The H3N2 strain is often associated with more severe disease, especially in older adults and people with existing health problems. Because influenza viruses are constantly changing, it is critical to update the vaccine annually. Early vaccination of high-risk groups can reduce complications and hospitalizations.”WHO recommends updating components for H1N1, H3N2 and B/Victoria strains. Indian vaccine makers will now adjust production to match these strains to deliver doses before transmission peaks. Doctors recommend getting a flu shot before winter.