INFLUENZA VACCINE

INFLUENZA VACCINE

Influenza (flu) vaccines Vaxigrip (Sanofi-Pasteur) and Fluarix (GSK) are available.

1. This vaccine (A and B) prepared from currently prevalent strains is an inactivated vaccine, giving a reasonable degree of protection for a short time only
2. Chronic aspirin therapy
3. HIV infection
4. Pediatric subjects, doctors and nurses, etc. who become grossly overworked during influenza epidemics.

Dose

6 months- 6 years: Two doses of 0.25 ml (SC,IM) at 4-6 week interval

6-9 years : 0.5 ml(SC,IM) at 4-6 week interval

>9 years: 0.5 ml (SC,IM) as a single dose

Revaccination is needed every year

Protection

Only 6-12 months.

Adverse Reaction

1. Local pain, induration and erythema
2. Anaphylaxis
3. Allergic reactions to components of vaccine

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to its components.

Storage

2-8 degree C.