Why is it prescribed?
Influvac® vaccine contains influenza vaccine.
Influenza vaccine is indicated for the following groups of people considered to be at high risk of influenza related complications: infants aged 6 to 23 months; adults and children with chronic heart and lung disorders; people of any age who are residents of nursing homes or chronic care facilities; people over the age of 65; adults and children with chronic conditions such as diabetes mellitus, cancer, kidney disease; anemia; immunosuppressed individuals (e.g. HIV infected people); children and adolescents (6 months to 18 years) with conditions treated for long periods with aspirin (e.g. ASA) and people at high risk for complications who are traveling to a destination where the influenza virus will be circulating.
The following people who have potential of transmitting influenza to those at high risk should be vaccinated: health care providers; those who provide services within closed or relatively closed settings to persons at high risk; household contacts of people at high risk; those who provide child care; people who provide essential community services; people in direct contact with poultry infected with avian influenza. Pregnant women should be immunized in their third trimester if they are expected to deliver during the influenza season. In addition, healthy persons aged 2 to 64 years should be encouraged to receive the vaccine.
Side Effects
Influvac® vaccine contains influenza vaccine.
Influenza vaccine is generally well tolerated and most people will experience only minor unwanted effects. The frequency and severity of these effects depends mainly on the individual's susceptibility. Possible unwanted effects include:
- soreness at the injection site
- fever
- feeling unwell
- shivering
- tiredness
- headache
- sweating
- muscle joint pain
- warmth
Rare:
- nerve pain
- numbness and tingling
- seizures
- blood disorders
- allergic reactions
Precautions and Warnings for Influvac® vaccine
Influvac® vaccine contains influenza vaccine
The influenza vaccine is prepared using eggs. Therefore, it should not be administered to anyone with an allergy to eggs or egg products.
Drug Interactions: It is important to tell your doctor and pharmacist of any prescription or over-the-counter medications you are taking. The following drugs or drug classes have the potential for interaction with the vaccine:
- anti-seizure medications (e.g. phenytoin)
- corticosteroids (e.g. prednisone)
- cyclosporine (e.g. Neoral®)
- theophylline
- warfarin (e.g. Coumadin®)
Use is not recommended in the following situations:
- allergy to any component of the vaccine
- allergy to eggs or egg products
- allergy to formaldehyde, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, polysorbate 80, or gentamicin
- fever
- active infection
- respiratory disease with a sudden onset
- unstable neurologic disease
Use with caution in the following situations:
- people on immunosuppressive therapy (e.g. prednisone)
- blood coagulation disorders
Use in pregnancy:The use of this vaccine may be considered from the second trimester of pregnancy. For pregnant women with medical conditions that increase their risk of complications from influenza, administration of the vaccine is recommended, irrespective of their stage of pregnancy. Use while breastfeeding: Evidence indicates that the vaccine is safe for breastfeeding mothers and their infants.
Patient Information
Influvac® is a vaccine that offers protection against those strains of influenza (flu) viruses that are used to prepare the vaccine. This injection is to be administered by a qualified health professional only. Protection from the vaccine usually is obtained within 2 to 3 weeks after the injection and lasts 6 to 12 months. Annual re-vaccination is required for continued protection.
The best time for vaccination is from mid-October, but anytime in the flu season (November to April) is appropriate.
Contrary to popular belief, influenza vaccine cannot cause the flu.
Influvac® may not work for everybody.
Directions for Use
The recommended dose for adults above 18 years is 0.5 mL as a single injection.
Lung Diseases Treated with this Drug
Need More Information?
For more information contact your physician, pharmacist, other health care professional or for general questions call your local lung association.
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