Influenza Vaccine

Uses	Influenza (flu)
Therapy	Vaccine
Side Effects	Headache, weakness, pain at injection site, irritability, sleepiness

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Molecule Description

Influenza Vaccine is a vaccine that contains inactivated influenza virus as the active component. This vaccine is used to prevent influenza in you or your child, especially in people who are at a high risk of complications. Influenza is a disease caused by various viral strains. It spreads quickly and is most likely to develop in you or your child during the winter months. Thus, you must get vaccinated every year which will reduce the risk of influenza to you or your child. Your doctor will recommend the best time for you or your child to be vaccinated. Influenza Vaccine can be used in adults and children from the age of 6 months. This vaccine will protect you or your child against the four types of viruses that can cause influenza from about 2 to 3 weeks after vaccination. If you develop signs and symptoms of influenza, it is recommended that you visit your doctor.

Uses

Influenza Vaccine is a vaccine that protects adults and children from the age of 6 months against influenza, particularly those who are at risk of complications.

Contraindications

When should one not use Influenza Vaccine

If you are allergic to the active substances or any other ingredient of Influenza Vaccine like traces of eggs (ovalbumin, chicken proteins), formaldehyde, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, polysorbate 80, or gentamicin.
If you have any kind of acute infection or seizures/fits/convulsions caused due to fever, especially in children.

Side effects

Common side effects of this drug are:

Headache
Fatigue
Drowsiness
Sweating
Nausea
Muscle pain
Loss of appetite

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Influenza Vaccine can be used in pregnancy. However, to prevent any potential risk, if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor for advice before taking this vaccine.

Breast Feeding

Influenza Vaccine can be used during breastfeeding. However, to avoid any risk, it is suggested that if you are breastfeeding, you should ask your doctor for advice before taking this vaccine.

Driving

Influenza Vaccine has no influence on the ability to drive. However, if you experience any side effects like weakness, nausea or dizziness after taking this vaccine which may affect your ability to drive safely, it is advised to avoid driving or be cautious.

Alcohol

There is limited information available regarding the interaction of alcohol with Influenza Vaccine. Ask your doctor for advice on alcohol intake along with Influenza Vaccine.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

You or your child have a poor immune response (immunodeficiency or are taking medicines that can affect the immune system).
You or your child have a bleeding problem or bruise easily.
You have previously experienced symptoms like feeling faint, fainting or other stress-related reactions before or after any needle injection.
You or your child have any blood test scheduled within a few days after the vaccination.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

There are four types of viruses that can cause influenza. Influenza Vaccine causes the body to produce its antibodies against these four types of viruses and to keep on producing them. Antibodies are proteins that protect the individual against infection caused by viruses. This means that when your body is exposed to the influenza virus, it will be able to defend itself. This is known as active immunization and hence, Influenza Vaccine is said to provide active immunity to the vaccinated individual. However, the production of antibodies in the individual's body takes about 2 to 3 weeks after vaccination. Therefore, if you are exposed to the influenza virus immediately before or after your vaccination, you could still develop influenza.

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

Some medicines can affect the way Influenza Vaccine works or Influenza Vaccine itself can reduce the effectiveness of other medicines taken at the same time.
Tell your doctor about all medicines, supplements, or herbals you are currently taking or might take to avoid any possible interaction.
If Influenza Vaccine is given at the same time as other vaccines, vaccination should be done on different limbs.
The ability of the body to produce antibodies (proteins that protect the individual against infection caused by viruses) may be decreased if you or your child are using medicines that suppress the immune system.

Dosage

Overdose

Influenza Vaccine will be given to you by a doctor or nurse, and hence, the chances of an overdose are unlikely.

Missed a Dose

If you have missed a dose of Influenza Vaccine, please consult your doctor. Your doctor will recommend the best time for you or your child to be vaccinated.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Influenza is a disease that is caused by a variety of virus strains. This disease spreads very quickly and is most likely to develop in you or your child during the winter months. The antibody coverage effect of this vaccine last for a year, so to stay protected against influenza, you or your child need to be re-vaccinated every year.

Some medicines may interact with Influenza Vaccine and may affect how it works. Thus, you should always inform your doctor about any other medicines, including non-prescription medicines, health supplements or herbal products that you are taking. Your doctor will recommend whether you can take Influenza Vaccine along with the other medicines that you are taking.

Influenza Vaccine will be given to you or your child in the hospital by your doctor or nurse. Do not self-inject this medicine. Follow any aftercare instructions given by the doctor or nurse.