Generic
Inactivated Influenza Vaccine
2 brands available in the market
At a glance
Inactivated Influenza Vaccine is used for prophylaxis of influenza (flu), especially in those with increased risk of associated complications.
Description
Inactivated Influenza Vaccine contains influenza virus surface antigens (haemagglutinin and neuraminidase) propagated in fertilized hen's eggs and inactivated with formaldehyde. It stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies against influenza virus, providing protection. Seroprotection is generally obtained within 2 to 3 weeks and immunity lasts 6-12 months.
Indications
- Prophylaxis of influenza (flu) - especially in those with increased risk of complications
Therapeutic class
Vaccines, Anti-sera & Immunoglobulin
Pharmacological class
Inactivated Vaccine
Pharmacology
Influenza vaccine contains virus surface antigens (haemagglutinin and neuraminidase) that stimulate antibody production. These antibodies provide protection against future influenza virus infection. Seroprotection against homologous strains or closely related strains is generally obtained within 2-3 weeks and lasts 6-12 months.
Mechanism of action
Inactivated influenza virus antigens stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies, providing protection against future influenza virus infection.
Dosage
Adults and children over 36 months:
- 0.5 ml (single dose)
Children (6-35 months):
- Limited clinical data; 0.25 ml or 0.5 ml doses have been used
- If not previously vaccinated, second dose after at least 4 weeks
Administration: Intramuscular or deep subcutaneous injection; allow to reach room temperature before use; shake before use
Administration
Administer intramuscularly or by deep subcutaneous injection only; if half dose (0.25 ml) needed, discard half volume; when given with other vaccines, administer in separate limbs.
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, please consult your doctor.
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- Pain and redness at injection site
- Fever after vaccination
Precautions & warnings
Precautions:
- Allow to reach room temperature before use
- Shake before use
- Antibody response may be insufficient in patients with endogenous or iatrogenic immunosuppression
- Medical supervision should be available for rare anaphylactic events
- Never administer intravascularly
- Postpone vaccination in febrile illness or acute infection
Contraindications
Contraindications:
- Hypersensitivity to active substances, excipients or residues (eggs, chicken proteins, ovalbumin)
- Vaccine may contain kanamycin, neomycin sulphate, formaldehyde, CTAB, polysorbate 80
Drug interactions
May be given at same time as other vaccines (separate limbs); immunological response may be diminished with immunosuppressant treatment; false positive results in ELISA tests for HIV1, Hepatitis C and HTLV1 antibodies may occur (disproved by Western Blot).
Food interactions
No food interaction found/established.
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: Limited data do not indicate adverse fetal/maternal outcomes; may be considered from second trimester; recommended for pregnant women with medical conditions increasing risk of influenza complications, irrespective of stage of pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: May be used during lactation.
Pediatric use
Limited clinical data for children 6-35 months; 0.5 ml for children over 36 months.
Geriatric use
No specific precautions for elderly.
Renal / hepatic impairment
No specific data for renal or hepatic impairment.
Overdose effects
No information on overdose.
Storage conditions
Store in refrigerator (2°C-8°C); do not freeze; keep syringe in outer carton to protect from light.
Chemical structure
Inactivated Influenza Vaccine