The center stated on Tuesday that the flu vaccine is only necessary for immunocompromised individuals over 65, despite the country's ongoing rise in swine flu cases.
According to Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), getting the flu shot is not urgently necessary.
"Right now there is no need for everyone to take it," he continued, adding that people over 65 and those with weaker immune systems may talk to their doctors about the vaccination.
He claimed that it is not even included in the National Immunization Program and is merely a suggestion from the World Health Organization (WHO)."We have examined the flu vaccine's cost-effectiveness in India. Some persons over 65 and those with weakened immune systems require a vaccination, he continued.

Additionally, according to Dr. Bahl, 97–98% of influenza cases that are discovered are caused by H1N1, popularly known as swine flu, and 2–3% are caused by H3N2.However, he stated that since H1N1 is caused by seasonal flu surges, masks are not necessary."Panic is not necessary. Seasonal influenza is still self-limiting. No novel or unique viral strain has been found, according to Dr. Bahl.About 97–98% of influenza A infections that are diagnosed are caused by H1N1, and 2-3% are caused by H3N2.

"Respiratory droplet infections travel at most one to two meters, so we are not asking people to wear masks," he stated.
The ICMR chairman emphasized that the government is keeping a close eye on seasonal influenza trends throughout the nation and that the influenza viruses that are now circulating there are in line with the seasonal pattern seen in recent years.
In consultation with their doctors, high-risk populations, such as adults 65 years of age and older, pregnant women, young children, and those with impaired immune systems, can choose to receive the Northern Hemisphere flu vaccine, he said.He counseled those who experience influenza-like symptoms to be more cautious and to consult a doctor right away.

The monitoring system will continue to constantly monitor changes in influenza activity, circulating strains, and disease severity, according to Dr. Bahl, secretary of the Department of Health Research (DHR).
"To track influenza trends nationwide, the Union Health Ministry, DHR, ICMR, and NCDC are conducting ongoing epidemiological, virological, and genomic surveillance. He continued, "The vast VRDL network helps public health authorities react appropriately to any emerging trends and allows for the timely detection and characterization of circulating respiratory viruses."

As a result, the public is urged to stay aware and watchful without becoming panicked. Adherence to basic preventative measures, prompt medical consultation when necessary, and avoidance of needless medicine can help protect individuals and communities from seasonal influenza, a common and regularly monitored respiratory virus, he continued.
Over 2,600 cases of influenza have been registered in Delhi thus far. Kerala, Maharashtra, and Karnataka are among states where swine flu cases are being reported.The circulating influenza A (H1N1) viruses have been identified as A/Missouri/11/2025 (H1N1) pdm09-like viruses through continued genomic and epidemiological surveillance via the network. According to hemagglutinin (HA) gene analysis, the isolates belong to subclade D.3.1.1 and clade 6B.1A.5a2a.

According to Dr. Bahl, this lineage has been continuously circulating in India since 2025.
The detected genetic alterations align with the typical antigenic drift found in seasonal influenza viruses. According to him, these slight genetic alterations happen frequently when influenza viruses spread and do not, by themselves, signal the appearance of a novel or hazardous strain.
In order to prevent heavy respiratory droplets, he recommended respiratory etiquette, regular hand cleanliness, and keeping one to two meters away from symptomatic people.