Archive · 10 Sep 2026
ICMR Says SH Vaccine Can Be Used During Flu Shortage
India is seeing a rise in H1N1 flu cases.
Supplies of one flu vaccine, called NH, are limited.
Health officials say another vaccine, called SH, can be used for now.
NH is considered a better match for the viruses currently found in India.
However, both vaccines protect against the H1N1 virus mentioned in the report.
People who receive SH may change to NH when more NH doses arrive.
The main difference is that the vaccines contain different extra flu strains.
These include H3N2 and influenza B.
ICMR says the available SH vaccine can be administered amid limited flu-vaccine supplies.
The NH vaccine is considered a better match for viruses currently identified in India.
People given the SH vaccine can switch to the NH vaccine when it becomes available.
The H1N1 virus circulating in India is covered by both vaccines.
The vaccines differ mainly in the additional H3N2 and influenza B strains they include.
- Who
- The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and people needing flu vaccination.
- What
- ICMR said the available SH vaccine can be used while NH vaccine supplies are limited.
- Where
- India.
- Why
- NH supplies are limited, while the SH vaccine covers the H1N1 virus circulating in India.
- Agency
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
- Country
- India
- Preferred match
- The NH vaccine is considered the better match for currently identified viruses.
- Available alternative
- The SH vaccine can be administered while NH supplies are limited.
- H1N1 coverage
- Both NH and SH vaccines cover the H1N1 virus circulating in India.
- Formulation difference
- The vaccines differ in the additional H3N2 and influenza B strains they include.