Abbott, the global healthcare company, recently launched a new inactivated quadrivalent vaccine for influenza, the first of its kind sub-unit vaccine offering protection against four virus strains, in India. It is the only 0.5 ml quadrivalent flu vaccine in India that has been approved for use in children below 3 years.In fact, it can be given to children from 6 months onwards, and to adults.

A 0.5 ml vaccine could improve the immune response in children below 3 years, a company spokesperson here on Monday said. A globally approved product, Abbott’s vaccine offers wide protection by immunizing against four different flu virus strains simultaneously. Hence, it is called a quadrivalent or tetravalent vaccine.

It includes a second B-strain of influenza virus, compared to one B-strain included in trivalent vaccines. Recommending a vaccine can be complex for the health authorities. This is because there may be a mismatch in the vaccine strain and the circulating viral strain. Therefore, the inclusion of an additional B-strain in quadrivalent vaccines can help broaden protection.

UNI