Influvax Tetra

Indications

Influvax Tetra is primarily indicated for the prevention of influenza (flu), particularly for individuals who are at a heightened risk of experiencing complications. The administration of this vaccine should align with official health guidelines and recommendations.

Always consult a registered medical professional before using any medication.

Composition

Each dose (0.5 ml) of Influvax Tetra contains inactivated influenza virus surface antigens (haemagglutinin and neuraminidase) derived from healthy chicken flocks raised in fertilized hen’s eggs and treated with formaldehyde. The vaccine includes the following strains:

• A/California/07/2009 (H1N1)-like strain: 15 micrograms of haemagglutinin
• A/Perth/16/2009 (H3N2)-like strain: 15 micrograms of haemagglutinin
• B/Brisbane/60/2008-like strain: 15 micrograms of haemagglutinin

Dosage & Administration

Dosage Guidelines:

• Adults and children over 36 months: 0.5 ml
• Children aged 6 to 35 months: Limited clinical data; doses of 0.25 ml or 0.5 ml may be administered.

Administration Protocol:
For children receiving their first vaccination, a second dose should be given after a minimum of 4 weeks. When administering a half dose (0.25 ml), discard half of the volume in the syringe before injection. The vaccine can be given via intramuscular or deep subcutaneous injection. Allow the vaccine to reach room temperature prior to use, and shake well before administration. Seroprotection is generally achieved within 2 to 3 weeks, with immunity typically lasting 6 to 12 months for related strains.

Always consult a registered medical professional before using any medication.

Interaction

Influvax Tetra can be co-administered with other vaccines; however, these should be administered in different limbs. Note that adverse reactions may be more pronounced when given simultaneously. Patients undergoing immunosuppressive treatments may have a reduced immunological response. Additionally, false-positive results in serology tests (ELISA method) for antibodies against HIV1, Hepatitis C, and HTLV1 may occur post-vaccination; these can be confirmed or disproven using the Western Blot technique. Transient false-positive reactions may result from the vaccine-induced IgM response.

Contraindications

This vaccine should not be administered to individuals with known hypersensitivity to any of its active ingredients, excipients, or residues such as eggs or chicken proteins (e.g., ovalbumin). It may also contain trace amounts of substances like kanamycin, neomycin sulfate, formaldehyde, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), and polysorbate 80. Immunization should be deferred in patients with febrile illness or acute infections.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Current data from studies involving pregnant women do not suggest significant adverse effects on fetal or maternal outcomes due to vaccination. Administration of Influvax Tetra is generally considered safe from the second trimester onward. Pregnant women at higher risk for influenza complications are advised to receive the vaccine, regardless of their pregnancy stage. Inactivated Influenza Vaccine can also be administered during lactation.

Precautions & Warnings

Patients with endogenous or iatrogenic immunosuppression may have an inadequate antibody response. As with all injectable vaccines, it is crucial to have appropriate medical support readily available in case of rare anaphylactic reactions following vaccination. Influvax Tetra should never be administered intravascularly.

Therapeutic Class

Vaccines, Anti-sera, and Immunoglobulin

Storage Conditions

Influvax Tetra should be refrigerated at temperatures between 2°C to 8°C. Do not freeze. Store the syringe in its outer carton to protect it from light exposure. Dispose of any unused product or waste materials in accordance with local regulations.