Fluarix Tetra Vaccine uses are:

• Prevention of Influenza.

Fluarix Tetra Vaccine stimulates the body's immune system to produce an immune response against specific influenza virus strains. Once administered, the vaccine introduces inactivated or weakened forms of the virus or specific viral proteins to trigger the production of antibodies. These antibodies then recognize and bind to the influenza virus if the body is exposed to it in the future.

Inform the doctor about your medicines, including prescription, over-the-counter, nutritional or vitamin supplements, and herbal products. Certain medications may interact with the vaccine fluarix tetra, reducing effectiveness by causing undesirable side effects.

• Immunosuppressants (Severe) - Medicines such as high-dose corticosteroids, prednisone, ciclosporin, or tacrolimus may reduce the immune response to Fluarix Tetra Vaccine. Inform your doctor if you are on these treatments before vaccination.

• Chemotherapy Medicines (Severe) - Ongoing chemotherapy drugs such as cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, or doxorubicin can weaken the immune system and reduce vaccine effectiveness. Take only under oncologist guidance.

• Biologic Immunomodulators (Severe) - Drugs like rituximab, infliximab, adalimumab, or etanercept may blunt the vaccine response. Your doctor may advise adjusting the vaccination schedule.

• Anticoagulants (Moderate) - Blood thinners such as warfarin, heparin, or aspirin may increase the risk of bleeding or bruising at the injection site. Inform your doctor for monitoring if needed.

• Antiviral Medicines (Moderate) - Influenza antiviral medications such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza) taken within 48 hours before or 2 weeks after vaccination may reduce the vaccine's effectiveness. Use together only if recommended by your healthcare provider.

• Store fluarix flu vaccine at room temperature, between  2°C and 8°C

• Keep away from moisture, heat, and light.

• It should not be frozen.

• Keep away from children and pets.

Fluarix Tetra Vaccine can be administered through intramuscular injection (IM). The recommended starting dosage and any necessary dose adjustments are determined based on the specific condition being treated and the patient's response to the medication.

Fluarix Tetra Vaccine causes some side effects like all medications, although not everyone will experience them.

Serious

Severe allergic reactions (extremely rare)

Common

• Soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site

• Low-grade fever

• Muscle aches and fatigue

• Inform healthcare providers about any history of severe allergic reactions, especially to previous Fluarix Tetra Vaccine components, a history of Guillain-Barré Syndrome, or severe egg allergies.

• It is essential to disclose any ongoing medications or treatments.

• Consulting a healthcare provider before vaccination is recommended for individuals with certain neurological conditions, pregnant or breastfeeding women, or those with specific medical conditions.

• Additionally, considering the appropriate vaccine type based on age and the severity of current illness is important to ensure the safe administration of the vaccine.

1. Sanofi Pasteur Europe, Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on Feb 2021] [Accessed on 22nd Oct 2023], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.666.pdf
2. D.H. Dockrell, S. Sundar, B.J. Angus, R.P. Hobson, Infectious disease, Davidson’s Principles and Practice of Medicine, 22nd Edition, 2014, 293-386.