VaxiFlu^™ —Annual safeguard against seasonal flu

VaxiFlu is a Trivalent Inactivated Influenza Vaccine (split virion) developed by Zydus Lifesciences, designed to provide active immunization against seasonal influenza (flu). It protects against three virus strains: two influenza A subtypes (H1N1 and H3N2) and one influenza B lineages (Victoria), which are updated every six months as per WHO recommendations for the circulating strains. All three virus are propagated in fertilized hen’s eggs from healthy chicken flocks and Inactivated by Beta propiolactone.

Zydus became the first company in India to transition to trivalent influenza vaccine from the quadrivalent influenza vaccine as per global recommendations showcasing the company’s patient centric approach.

Key Features

• Broad Protection: Helps prevent influenza illness, reducing the risk of complications such as pneumonia, hospitalization, and severe respiratory issues, especially during flu season.
• Target Population: Suitable for children from 6 months of age, adolescents, adults, and seniors. It is particularly recommended for high-risk groups, including:
  • People with chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or weakened immunity
  • Pregnant women and healthcare workers

Administration

The vaccine should be given by intramuscular injection, typically given just before the flu season. Young children (6–35 months) and children (3-8 years) may require two doses of 0.5ml each (administered 4 weeks apart) for optimal immune response, depending on prior vaccination history. For 9 years and older, one dose of 0.5ml is sufficient.

Presentations

Approved in two presentations.

• Single dose pre-filled syringe
• Single dose vial

Safety and Efficacy

Clinical studies have demonstrated high seroprotection and seroconversion rates, along with a favourable safety profile. Common side effects are mild and transient, such as injection site pain, redness, swelling, or low-grade fever.

VaxiFlu offers a reliable, Made-in-India solution to safeguard individuals and communities against the ever-evolving influenza virus. Annual vaccination is advised as flu strains change frequently.

Consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice on vaccination timing and suitability.

Publications

• Sharma S, Singh VB, Kumar S, Prajapati V, Patel J, Vukkala R, Jangid SK, Sanmukhani J, Gupta G, Patel P, Mittal R, Glueck R. Immunogenicity and safety of the first indigenously developed Indian tetravalent influenza vaccine (split virion) in healthy adults ≥ 18 years of age: A randomized, multicenter, phase II / III clinical trial. Hum Vaccin Immunother. 2018 Jun 3;14(6):1362-1369.
• Sarkar S, Bokade C, Garg K, Kumar R, Sanmukhani J, Mittal R. Immunogenicity and safety of the first indigenously developed Indian tetravalent influenza vaccine (split virion) in healthy children (6 months to 17 years of age): a randomized, multicenter, phase III clinical trial. Hum Vaccin Immunother. 2021 Mar 4;17(3):681689. doi: 10.1080/21645515.2020.1794683. Epub 2020 Aug 26. PMID: 32845782; PMCID: PMC7993130.
• Kothari K, Shah S, Gill VK, Ray RK, Kumar NR, Sanmukhani J, Daultani P, Mittal R, Dutta T, Mahajan M, Desai S. A prospective, randomized, parallel, active controlled, phase III Indian study of immunogenicity and safety of two inactivated influenza vaccines - Vaxiflu-4 and Fluarix tetra in children aged 6 months to 35 months. Hum Vaccin Immunother. 2024 Dec 31;20(1):2416329. doi: 10.1080/21645515.2024.2416329. Epub 2024 Oct 24. Erratum in: Hum Vaccin Immunother. 2024 Dec 31;20(1):2442864. doi: 10.1080/21645515.2024.2442864. PMID: 39445787; PMCID: PMC11508945.