Fluvirin: Trivalent influenza vaccine

Fluvirin: Trivalent influenza vaccine

Fluvirin vaccine is inactivated influenza vaccine. It is split virion vaccine. It is trivalent vaccine. It contains 3 types of antigens from influenza virus species. It protects from Influenza A strains and influenza B strains. This is vaccine from Seqirus Vaccines Limited .

Fluvirin for intramuscular injection is inactivated influenza vaccine. It is prepared from influenza virus.

The virus is propagated in Hen’s egg while manufacturing this vaccine.

How is Fluvirin vaccine available?

Fluvirin 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 as single dose. Pack of 10 pre filled syringes carton is present.

It is also available in 5 ml multi-dose vial.

How is Fluvirin vaccine stored?

Fluvirin 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.

How is Fluvirin vaccine given?

Fluvirin vaccine is given by injection on deltoid muscles in shoulder. 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. The dose for those above 18 years is 0.5 ml.

At what age Fluvirin vaccine is given?

Fluvirin vaccine is approved for the use for those above 4 years.

It is given 1 or 2 doses 0.5 ml 1 month apart in age 4-8 years.

It is given single dose yearly for those above 9 years.

How does Fluvirin vaccine works?

Fluvirin is killed vaccine. It contains split particles of 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 Fluvirin vaccine?

Side effects of Fluvirin 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 VaxiFlu-4 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 it is not given?

  • Fluvirin vaccine should not be given to those who are sever allergic to any of its components.
  • Fluvirin vaccine should not be given to those who had got allergic/anaphylactic reaction at the time of the previous dose.
  • It should not be given to those who are allergic to egg proteins.

In special population

There is increased risk of flu and related complication in pregnancy, diabetes, hypertensive patients and immuno-suppressed.

In pregnancy and lactation sufficient safety data though not available, this vaccine being killed vaccine and considering risk of disease in pregnancy and lactation may be considered.




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