Description
Comprehensive FAQs on Influvac® Tetra (Quadrivalent Inactivated Influenza Vaccine)
1. What is Influvac® Tetra used for?
Answer: It is used to prevent influenza (flu) in adults and children from 6 months of age. It is especially recommended for individuals at higher risk of flu-related complications.
2. Who should get the Influvac® Tetra vaccine?
Answer: It is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older, particularly for people with chronic conditions (like diabetes, respiratory disorders, and heart disease), elderly individuals, pregnant women, and those on immunosuppressive therapy.
3. How is Influvac® Tetra administered?
Answer: The vaccine is administered as an intramuscular injection. For children 6 to 35 months old, it is given in the thigh, while for children 36 months and older and adults, it is usually administered in the deltoid muscle.
4. How many doses are required?
Answer: For adults and children 9 years and older, a single dose of 0.5 ml is required. For children aged 6 months to 8 years who are being vaccinated for the first time, a second dose of 0.5 ml is needed, given at least 4 weeks after the first dose.
5. Is a booster dose needed, and how often should it be taken?
Answer: Influvac® Tetra is given annually to provide protection against evolving flu strains. Booster doses within the same flu season are typically not required.
6. What are the common side effects?
Answer: Common side effects include pain at the injection site, fatigue, headache, mild fever, and muscle aches. Most of these effects are mild and resolve within a few days.
7. Is Influvac® Tetra safe during pregnancy?
Answer: Yes, it is safe for use at any stage of pregnancy, with extensive data supporting its safety, particularly during the second and third trimesters.
8. Can I take the vaccine if I have a fever or illness?
Answer: Immunization should be postponed if you have a febrile illness or acute infection. Consult with your healthcare provider for guidance.
9. Is the vaccine effective against all flu strains?
Answer: Influvac® Tetra provides protection against the four flu strains included in the vaccine. It covers the most common and closely related strains for the season, as recommended by health authorities.
10. What are the contraindications for this vaccine?
Answer: Do not take the vaccine if you have a known allergy to any of its components, including egg proteins, formaldehyde, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, polysorbate 80, or gentamicin.
11. Is Influvac® Tetra safe for breastfeeding mothers?
Answer: Yes, it is safe for breastfeeding mothers and does not pose a risk to the nursing baby.
12. Can I receive other vaccines at the same time?
Answer: Yes, you can receive other vaccines at the same time, but they should be administered in different limbs. Adverse reactions may be more noticeable when multiple vaccines are given simultaneously.
13. Are there any precautions before receiving the vaccine?
Answer: Individuals with thrombocytopenia or any coagulation disorders should receive the vaccine with caution. The vaccination should be performed under medical supervision to manage any potential allergic reactions.