Flu Vaccine Shortage? ICMR Suggests Alternative Amid H1N1 Rise
What Happened
With H1N1 cases rising, especially in Delhi, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said the preferred Northern Hemisphere flu vaccine is currently in short supply. Until supplies improve, people can use the available Southern Hemisphere flu vaccine as an alternative. H1N1 is covered by both vaccines.
Key Takeaways
ICMR advises people not to remain unvaccinated due to the shortage. While the Northern Hemisphere vaccine is considered a closer match to current circulating strains, the Southern Hemisphere vaccine still offers protection against H1N1 and can be used until the preferred vaccine becomes available.