Workshop on vaccine science

The spread of viral influenza can be restricted if vaccines are taken annually, according to Ajit Vigg, consultant physician and chest specialist, Apollo Hospitals.

Viral influenza is a contagious disease caused by a virus that affects the nose, throat and lungs. The symptoms of this disease include high fever, headache, fatigue, stuffy nose, sore throat etc.

Speaking at a workshop on 'New avenues in vaccine science for effective disease prevention', Ajit Vigg said, "The influenza virus is an intelligent virus that changes frequently to survive. Although people assume that it is not prevalent in our country, reports prove otherwise. Therefore, there is a need for yearly vaccination especially for at-risk patients.

At present, around 18 per cent of the population in India is affected by this virus, he added. The workshop was organised by the vaccine division of the sanofi-aventis Group, sanofi pasteur.

The cost of an influenza vaccine is Rs 550.