📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Pinakpani
Health
ICMR says No New H1N1 Strain Detected, Existing Vaccines Remain Effective Amid Surge
✍️ Hindustan Times
🗓 23 Aug 2026, 06:40 PM
👁 4
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) confirmed that no new H1N1 strain is circulating and that the current vaccines continue to provide protection, even as case numbers rise across the country.
ICMR officials said on Tuesday that laboratory surveillance has not identified any novel H1N1 influenza strain in the recent sample pool, reassuring health authorities that the virus has not mutated into a new variant. The statement came as the Ministry of Health reported an uptick in H1N1‑related infections in several states over the past fortnight.
According to the latest data released by the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme, weekly reported cases have risen by roughly 15 per cent compared with the previous week, prompting concerns about a possible seasonal surge. However, ICMR emphasized that the increase reflects heightened testing rather than a change in the virus’s behaviour.
The council reiterated that the quadrivalent influenza vaccines currently in use, which include protection against the H1N1 strain, remain effective. Ongoing serological studies show that antibody responses generated by the existing vaccine formulations are sufficient to neutralise the circulating virus.
Health officials urged the public to get vaccinated, especially vulnerable groups such as the elderly, pregnant women and individuals with chronic illnesses. They also advised continued adherence to standard preventive measures, including hand hygiene and avoiding close contact with symptomatic persons.
According to the latest data released by the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme, weekly reported cases have risen by roughly 15 per cent compared with the previous week, prompting concerns about a possible seasonal surge. However, ICMR emphasized that the increase reflects heightened testing rather than a change in the virus’s behaviour.
The council reiterated that the quadrivalent influenza vaccines currently in use, which include protection against the H1N1 strain, remain effective. Ongoing serological studies show that antibody responses generated by the existing vaccine formulations are sufficient to neutralise the circulating virus.
Health officials urged the public to get vaccinated, especially vulnerable groups such as the elderly, pregnant women and individuals with chronic illnesses. They also advised continued adherence to standard preventive measures, including hand hygiene and avoiding close contact with symptomatic persons.