New Delhi, Sept. 10 -- The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has taken note of a few media reports carrying misleading information regarding its recommendations on seasonal influenza vaccination.

The reports appear to be based on an ICMR note for medical practitioners on Influenza issued around two months ago. The note was intended to provide clinical guidance to medical practitioners and does not represent any new or recent advisory issued by ICMR. ICMR recommended that the Northern Hemisphere vaccine is preferable. However, if unavailable, the Southern Hemisphere Vaccine can be taken, as both are effective against the current circulating strain of H1N1.

Regarding the claim that flu shots are not available, we want to clarify t...