Had the Flu Last Year? Why You May Still Need This Year’s Flu Vaccine…
Dr. Sauren Panja, Senior Consultant & Administrative Lead – Critical Care Services (NH East), Narayana RN Tagore, Mukundapur, KolkataOne out of every ten people contract the flu virus in India every year. However, If you already had the flu last year, you might think that you are covered this year too. But a flu shot may still be needed as flu viruses change constantly. The strain that hit you last year may not be the strain this season. Therefore, the protection gained from years of infection may not fully guard against the new strain. It can give you some immunity but that protection may not shield you from every flu virus. When you get the flu, your immune system learns to fight that virus. As the nature of the flu changes, so does the vaccine. Before each flu season, health experts watch how the flu virus spreads around the world. If a person had the flu before, his or her immune system remembers the virus and can respond to it more quickly. However, if a new or significantly different flu strain appears, the immune system may need to develop a new or stronger response to fight it. That is why, every year, the vaccine is updated to provide better protection against the flu strains that are expected to spread during that season. Flu in India is more than just a seasonal sniffle. The true number of infections is difficult to capture because many people never get tested. However, according to data from the National Centre for Disease Control, India recorded 3,320 laboratory-confirmed H1N1 influenza cases and 14 deaths during the major part of 2025, with dominant strains changing across seasons and locations.Can you still get the flu after getting vaccinated?The flu vaccine does not guarantee that one will not get infected. How well the vaccine works can vary depending on the flu strain circulating that season and individual factors. However, vaccination lowers the risk of flu and helps reduce the severity of illness and serious complications.A vaccine every year keeps you safeAnnual flu vaccination is recommended for every individual, especially those at a higher risk of complications including adults, children, pregnant women and those with certain health conditions. If you miss a shot, you may miss the chance to reduce your risk of getting influenza and may develop serious complications during the current flu season. Flu viruses can change, and immunity can vary from year to year. So, don’t assume that past infections or vaccinations will fully protect you. Stay informed, and consult your doctor about the best way to protect yourself this flu season.
