Influenza vaccine (inactivated surface antigen, quadrivalent) brands and prices in Pakistan

About Influenza (flu) vaccine, inactivated surface antigen, quadrivalent

This is a flu vaccine given as an injection, usually into the upper arm. It is 'inactivated', which means it contains no live virus, and 'surface antigen' means it uses only proteins from the outside of the flu virus. 'Quadrivalent' means it protects against four types (strains) of flu; it works by teaching your immune system to make its own protection against flu.

Who should not take it, or should take care

• Do not have it if you have had a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous flu vaccine or to any ingredient in the vaccine. Check the leaflet for the product you are given.
• If you have an illness with a high temperature, wait until you are better. A minor illness such as a cold is not a reason to delay.
• Tell the doctor or nurse if you have ever had Guillain-Barre syndrome.
• Tell the doctor or nurse if you have a weak immune system or take treatment that affects it, such as chemotherapy or steroids, as the vaccine may work less well.
• Tell the doctor or nurse if you have a bleeding problem or bruise easily.
• Tell the doctor or nurse if you have fainted with an injection before.
• Egg allergy: some flu vaccines are made using eggs and others are egg-free. US experts (CDC) recommend flu vaccination for people with egg allergy whatever the severity; people who have had a severe reaction to egg (anything more than hives) should be vaccinated in a medical setting that can manage a severe allergic reaction. Tell your nurse about any egg allergy.
• Pregnancy: the vaccine can be given at any stage of pregnancy. It helps protect both the mother and the baby in the first months after birth.
• Breastfeeding: it is safe to have while breastfeeding.

Medicines and drinks that can interact

• It can be given at the same time as other vaccines, such as COVID-19 and shingles vaccines and pregnancy vaccines.
• Medicines that weaken the immune system, such as chemotherapy or steroids, may reduce how well the vaccine works.
• Tell the doctor or nurse about any medicines you take and any vaccines you have had recently.

Always tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, supplement and herbal product you take.

Using it safely

• Have the vaccine as early as you can in the flu season, because protection takes a little while to build up after the injection.
• Protection fades over time and the vaccine is updated to match the flu viruses expected each season, so it is recommended again each flu season.
• Your nurse or doctor will tell you how many injections you or your child need. Some young children having flu vaccine for the first time may need more than one.
• The vaccine cannot give you flu, because it contains no live virus.
• Other ways to lower your risk of flu: wash your hands often, cover coughs and sneezes, throw away used tissues, stay at home when unwell and keep away from people who are sick.
• The vaccine is given by a trained doctor, nurse or pharmacist. It must be stored in a fridge (not frozen) and protected from light until it is used.

Common questions

Can the flu vaccine give me flu?
No. This vaccine is inactivated and contains no live flu virus, so it cannot cause flu. You may get a sore arm, a mild temperature or aches for a short time.

Why do I need a flu vaccine every season?
Protection from the vaccine fades over time, and flu viruses change. The vaccine is updated to match the viruses expected each season, so WHO and other health bodies recommend having it again each flu season.

Is the flu vaccine safe in pregnancy?
Yes. It can be given at any stage of pregnancy. Pregnant women are at higher risk from flu, and the vaccine also helps protect the baby in the first months after birth.

Can I have the flu vaccine if I am allergic to eggs?
Usually yes. CDC recommends flu vaccination for people with egg allergy. If you have had a severe reaction to egg, have it in a medical setting that can treat severe allergic reactions. Tell your nurse about your allergy.

How well does the flu vaccine work?
It protects against the most common flu viruses, but it does not stop every case. If you still catch flu, it is likely to be milder and shorter. In older people it may work less well but still reduces severe illness, complications and deaths.

Prepared from the sources listed by the MedInfoBase team. General information, not medical advice: it gives no doses. Your doctor or pharmacist decides the medicine and dose for you.