Influenza is a viral respiratory infection, that tends to spread more during seasonal epidemics. The National Institute of Virology, Indian Council Of Medical Research called this viral fever an important public health challenge that is significant on a global scale.
To lend their hands towards tackling influenza, Mylab Discovery Solutions and Serum Institute of India (SII) have launched India’s first influenza nasal vaccine. Naming it NASOVAC S4, the vaccine will be available across India for individuals above the age of 2, and its mechanism aligns with World Health Organisation recommendations.
Intranasal Influenza Vaccine
Explaining influenza while speaking to the team of OnlyMyHealth, Dr Rakesh Mittal, Senior Physician, Indra Super Speciality Hospital, Kanpur said, “Influenza spreads through respiratory droplets, and is of three types- Influenza A, B, and C. Although flu is commonplace, its potential should not be neglected.”
According to a statement issued by Mylab, NASOVAC S4 includes two influenza strains- Type A that causes H1N1 and H3N2, and Type B virus strains. This nasal spray sterilises the first site of infection, which is the nasal passage, eliciting an immune response to produce antibodies against the influenza virus.
Also Read: Experts Are Strongly Recommending Influenza Vaccination For Children Before Monsoon Season Begins
Only a single dose of NASOVAC S4 is sufficient, as per the statement. This nasal vaccine is a tremendous feat as it will enhance mass immunity by removing needle hesitancy and the need for expert administration, enabling more and more people to get this vaccine.
NASOVAC S4
Establishing the significance of an influenza vaccine, Dr Hari Kishan, Senior General Physician, MBBS, MD, MRCP Kamineni Hospitals, L.B Nagar, Hyderabad told the team of OnlyMyHealth, “The vaccine can prevent influenza infection by stimulating your immune system to produce antibodies against specific flu virus strains. It may not offer complete protection but can definitely reduce the severity of illness, lower the risk of severe complications, and boost public immunity, helping those who can't be vaccinated."
Also Read: Did You Get Influenza Virus? Here's What You Need To Know
As of now, the vaccine is primarily available in private markets in India. Speaking at its launch, Hasmukh Rawal, Managing Director, Mylab Discovery Solutions, said, “With exclusive distribution and marketing partnership between Mylab and SII, we aim to provide comprehensive protection against a wide range of influenza strains.”
Concluding their statement about NASOVAC S4, Dr Rajeev Dhere, Executive Director, SII, shared that this nasal vaccine stands apart from other needle-free or needle influenza vaccines. This is because NASOVAC S4 works at both sites, in the respiratory tract and in the blood. It is a promising tool in India, and the world’s fight against influenza as NASOVAC S4 provides protection against all four variants of influenza.
.jpg)
