Indication

Vaccine is recommended for adults and children from six months and above, especially those having high risk of associated complications, such as children, senior citizens, those who are susceptible and those who are in influenza epidemic areas. \r\nThe vaccine can induce body to generate immunoreaction against influenza virus and can be used for prevention of infection caused by, influenza virus.

Administration

Intramuscular injection (IM) on deltoid.\r\nThis vaccine should be administered before the beginning of the influenza season or as required by the epidemiological situation. \r\nVaccination should be repeated every year with an age-appropriate dose of vaccine of updated antigen composition.\r\n

Adult Dose

Intramuscular\r\nAdult: \r\nOne dose of 0.5 ml. every year.\r\n

Child Dose

Intramuscular\r\nChildren over 3 years of age: one dose of 0.5 ml. every year.\r\nChildren from 6 to 36 months of age: 1 dose of 0.25 ml. every year.\r\n\r\nFor Children <9 years who have not previously been vaccinated: a 2nd dose should be given after an interval of at least 4 weeks.\r\n\r\n

Contraindication

Known anaphylactic hypersensitivity reactions to egg proteins (eggs or egg products), chicken proteins, or any other component of the vaccine including traces (formaldehyde, octoxinol 9 (Triton X-100) and neomycin).\r\nImmunisation should not be performed during a febrile or acute illness. \r\n\r\n

Mode of Action

Influenza virus vaccine inactivated promotes immunity to influenza virus by inducing specific antibody formation.

Precaution

Since this vaccine contains traces of formaldehyde, octoxinol 9 (Triton X-100) and neomycin due to the use of these substances during production, it should be used with caution in subjects with a hypersensitivity to any of these substances.\r\nPatients with a history of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) with an onset related in time to influenza vaccination may be at increased risk of again developing GBS if given influenza vaccine.\r\n\r\nUse in pregnancy & lactation: Safety of use during pregnancy has not been established; benefits of vaccination should be weighed against potential risks. However, as an inactivated vaccine, it does not share the theoretical risks associated with live vaccines. \r\n\r\nIt is not known if this is excreted in human milk; hence, caution should used when administering vaccine to breastfeed ing women. However, as an inactivated vaccine, it does not share the theoretical risks associated with live vaccines.

Side Effect

In children under 5 years of age, systemic reactions (e.g. fever, malaise, myalgia) may be more pronounced. \r\nLocal Reactions: Erythema (redness), swelling, pain, ecchymosis, induration.\r\n\r\nSystemic Reactions: Fever, malaise, shivering, fatigue, headache, sweating, joint and muscular pain. These reactions usually disappear within 1-2 days without treatment.\r\n\r\nRarely: Neuralgia, paresthesia, convulsions and transient thrombocytopenia Allergic reactions leading to shock in rare cases. Vasculitis with transient renal involvement, in very rare cases.\r\n\r\n

Pregnancy Category Note

Use in pregnancy: Safety of use during pregnancy has not been established; benefits of vaccination should be weighed against potential risks. However, as an inactivated vaccine, it does not share the theoretical risks associated with live vaccines.

Interaction

Immunosuppressants, antineoplastics or high doses of corticosteroids may reduce response to vaccines. Increased antibody response with aldesleukin and aspirin. May possibly increase anticoagulant effects of warfarin.