Influenza Vaccine
Influenza Vaccine Information

About Influenza Vaccine

Influenza Vaccine is a sterile aqueous suspension of suitable strain or strains of influenza virus types A and B, either individually or mixed, grown individually in embryonated hen eggs and inactivated so that they retain their antigenic properties. The composition of vaccine is changed every year in respose to antigenic shifts and changes in prevalence of influenza virus strain. The vaccine is usually bivalent or trivalent, containing one or two influenza virus A strains and one influenza virus B strain. Annual immunization before November is recommended for high risk individuals (persons over 65 years of age and persons with chronic disease). Influenza Vaccine is used for active immunization against influenza, Influenza Vaccine is indicated only for immunization against those strains of viruses from which the vaccine is prepared or against closely related strains.

Indications

Influenza Vaccine is primarily indicated in conditions like Influenza prophylaxis.

Contraindication

Influenza Vaccine is contraindicated in conditions like Thrombocytopenia,Hypersensitivity,Febrile illness.

Side Effects

The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Influenza Vaccine, which give rise to further complications include Convulsions, Thrombocytopenia, Angioedema, Angioedema, Neuralgia, Neuritis, Encephalomyelitis, Guillian-Barre syndrome.The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Influenza Vaccine are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Fever, Urticaria, Pain, Allergic reactions, Redness, Malaise, Swelling, Anaphylactic shock, Paresthesias, Tenderness, Flue like syndrome.

Warnings

Influenza vaccine should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy or lactation. It should be used with caution in patients with any illness, infection or if have any allergy especially to eggs or egg products. The administration of the vaccine should be postponded in subjects suffering from acute febrile illness. The Vaccine only prevent the disease caused by influenza virus, infection with other agents causing flu-like symptoms are not prevented by influenza vaccine. Appropriate medical treatment and supervision should always be readily available in case of a rare anaphylactic reactions following the administration of the vaccine.

High Risk Groups

Drug should not be given to Pregnant Mothers, and Neonates.If prescribing authority justifies the benefits of the drug against the possible damages he/she should reevaluate them and consult the reference material and previous studies.