Bengaluru experiences surge in flu vaccination demand

Bengaluru is seeing a rise in flu cases, leading to a significant increase in demand for flu vaccinations. Clinics are now giving over 10 flu shots a day, which is a 30% increase compared to three years ago. Doctors believe this trend is linked to more awareness about flu complications, increased travel, and seasonal outbreaks. Dr. Suresh C H from Kauvery Hospitals said more people are coming in for shots, often influenced by friends or family getting sick. Vaccinations for children now typically include a flu shot starting at six months. Dr. Divya Joshi from Fortis Hospital said that her hospital administers over 250 flu shots each month. The flu vaccine used is a tetravalent type, protecting against four strains of the flu virus. It's recommended for everyone from six months old and is safe for pregnant women. The vaccine helps reduce not only the chance of getting the flu but also lessens the severity of the illness. People who are vaccinated tend to have milder symptoms and may not need hospital care. The vaccine is made from an inactivated virus, so it cannot cause the flu. Dr. Murali Mohan from Narayana Health City noted that his team has given 4,180 flu shots from February 2024 to February 2025. The flu virus changes often, so the vaccine is updated each year. For individuals with weakened immune systems, a second dose may be recommended in the same flu season. Overall, the rising demand for vaccines is due to increasing flu cases, more travel, routine immunization inclusion, concerns about recovery times, and a growing elderly population.