Flucelvax: Quadrivalent influenza H1N1 vaccine
Flucelvax vaccine is inactivated influenza vaccine. It is split virion vaccine. It is tetravalent vaccine. It contains 4 types of antigens from influenza virus species. This is vaccine from Seqirus.
It is available as Flucelvax (Trivalent protecting against 3 strains) and Flucelvax Quadrivalent (Tetravalent protecting against 4 strains)
Flucelvax for intramuscular injection is inactivated influenza vaccine. It protects from strains of Type A and Type B influenza virus.
This is cell based vaccine that is virus strains for this vaccine manufacturing are propagated on cells instead of eggs. It does not contain egg proteins.
Cell based vaccine virus is more similar to wild disease causing virus. It is more efficient in inducing immunity. It is especially more useful for those who are immunosuppressed and above age 65 years.
How is Flucelvax vaccine available?
Flucelvax vaccine is available in ready to inject formulation as slightly opalascent liquid form. It is available in pre-filled sterile syringe for injection. It is available in dose 0.5 ml. It is available in single dose packet.
How is Flucelvax vaccine stored?
Flucelvax vaccine is stored at 2-8 degree Celsius as recommended by manufacturer. Temperature range is maintained by the cold chain. The vaccine if accidentally frozen should be discarded and not used. The temperature range is maintained at all stages of storage and transport. The vaccine that has passed the expiry should be discarded and all the biomedical waste management protocol guidelines should be followed while discarding.
How is Flucelvax vaccine given?
Flucelvax vaccine is given by injection on antero-lateral aspect of thigh in infants and small children. Those for adult and adolescents it can be given on deltoid region of the shoulder. All standard safe injection precautions need to be taken. After use the disposables and needles are to be discarded as per the guidelines for biomedical waste management protocols. The expired vaccine should be discarded as per BMW protocols so that it is not harmful to environment.
At what age Flucelvax vaccine is given?
Flucelvax vaccine is given at 4 years and above. Children with chronic pulmonary diseases and those with increased chances of pulmonary infection this dose should be given yearly. Those adults who are diabetic and hypertensive and immunosuppressed should get this vaccine yearly.
This vaccine is used in pregnancy as there is increase risk of wine flu during pregnancy. The studies done on rats suggest no effect of fetus. Since influenza has increased risk in pregnancy the risk to benefit ratio should be considered for this vaccination during pregnancy.
| Age | Dose | Schedule |
| 4 years through 8 years | One or 2 doses 0.5 ml each | If 2 doses administer at least 4 weeks apart |
| 9 years and older | One dose, 0.5 ml |
How does Flucelvax vaccine works?
Flucelvax is killed vaccine. It contains inactivated virus. This is active form of immunization. When this vaccine is injected to an individual the antigens in it get inside the body. These antigens are recognized by the immune system of the individuals. The immune system develops mechanism to fight against the virus and if real infection takes place the immune response is rapidly ramped up and the disease is prevented. Only the drawback is influenza virus mutates rapidly and so because if this, the new version of vaccine comes yearly. It is needed to be given yearly.
What are side effects of Flucelvax vaccine?
Side effects of Flucelvax vaccine are usually mild and can be managed at home very easily.
- Fever can be there after the vaccination. It can be mild to moderate grade and can be managed at home by paracetamol and sponging. Fever may last for 1-3 days usually reduces with time.
- Local pain and redness swelling can come at injection site. It may last for 1-3 days. It can be easily managed with paracetamol and local cold fomentation.
- Headache can come in some patients after vaccination. Usually reduces in 1-3 days. This headache can be managed at home with paracetamol.
- Irritability and abnormal crying.
- Loss of appetite and vomiting.
- Muscular pain and fatigue seen after Flucelvax vaccination may last for the 1-3 days. It generally reduces by its own.
- Allergy and anaphylactic reaction: This is very rare side effect. The vaccine should not be given to those who are allergic to the component/s of the vaccine. The anaphylactic reaction should be managed very swiftly. The skilled person, necessary drugs and equipments should be available for the management.
To whom this vaccine should not be given?
Those who are allergic to any of the vaccine components.
Those who had severe allergic/anaphylactic reaction at the time of the previous dose.
Those who are less than 6 month of age.
Those who had episode of GBS in last 6 weeks.