Influvac Tetra 0.5 mL injection is used for:

• Prevention of seasonal influenza (flu), particularly in people at increased risk of influenza-related complications.

Influvac Tetra contains inactivated influenza virus surface antigens. After vaccination, these antigens stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies against the influenza strains included in the vaccine.

The immune response generally develops within 2 to 3 weeks after vaccination. Protection varies between individuals and depends partly on how closely the vaccine strains match the influenza viruses circulating during the season.

Because Influvac Tetra is an inactivated vaccine, it cannot cause influenza.

Tell your doctor about all medicines and treatments you are receiving, especially medicines that suppress the immune system.

• Immunosuppressive treatment may reduce the immune response to Influvac Tetra.

• If you are receiving treatment that affects your immune system, your doctor will decide the appropriate timing of vaccination.

• Influvac Tetra may be given with certain other vaccines when recommended by a healthcare professional. Generally, administer different vaccines at separate injection sites when given during the same visit.

• Influenza vaccination can sometimes cause temporary false-positive results in certain antibody-based laboratory tests. Inform the doctor or laboratory that you have recently received an influenza vaccine if such testing is planned.

• Store Influvac Tetra in a refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C.

• Keep the vaccine in its original packaging to protect it from light.

• Do not freeze the vaccine.

• Do not use the vaccine if it has been frozen or stored outside the recommended temperature range.

• Keep it out of reach of children.

A healthcare professional administers Influvac Tetra as an intramuscular or deep subcutaneous injection. Do not administer it directly into a blood vessel.

The usual dose is 0.5 mL for adults and children 6 months of age and older. Children below 9 years who have not previously received a seasonal influenza vaccine may require a second 0.5 mL dose at least 4 weeks after the first dose. Children below 6 months of age should not receive Influvac Tetra because its safety and effectiveness have not been established in this age group.

A healthcare professional should decide the vaccination schedule based on the person's age, previous influenza vaccination history, and current seasonal recommendations.

Vaccination should generally be postponed in people with a fever or acute infection until they have recovered.

Influvac Tetra may cause temporary reactions after vaccination. Most reactions are mild and usually resolve within a few days.

Common

• Pain, redness or swelling at the injection site

• Headache

• Fatigue

• Muscle or joint pain

• Fever

• Chills or feeling unwell

Children may also experience drowsiness, irritability, reduced appetite or gastrointestinal symptoms depending on their age.

Serious

• Severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, are rare.

• Very rare neurological or other serious reactions have been reported after influenza vaccination. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop breathing difficulty, facial or throat swelling, widespread rash, fainting or other severe symptoms after vaccination.

• Influvac Tetra should be administered by a qualified healthcare professional.

• Inform your doctor if you have previously experienced a severe allergic reaction to an influenza vaccine or any of its ingredients.

• Tell your doctor if you have a bleeding disorder or low platelet count because bleeding or bruising can occur after an intramuscular injection.

• If you have a fever or an acute infection, you may need to postpone vaccination until you recover.

• Influenza vaccines are updated periodically because circulating influenza viruses change. Follow the seasonal vaccination recommendations applicable in India rather than relying on an old vaccine formulation or previous year's vaccination schedule. NCDC publishes updated information on influenza vaccine composition and surveillance in India.

• Influvac Tetra does not protect against every influenza strain or other infections that can cause flu-like symptoms.

• Influenza vaccination is particularly important for people at higher risk of complications, including older adults, pregnant women and people with chronic medical conditions.

1. https://cdsco.mohfw.gov.in/opencms/resources/UploadCDSCOWeb/2018/UploadSmPC/123.%20Influvac%20Tetra%20Abbott.pdf

2. https://www.abbott.in/content/dam/corp/abbott/en-in/documents/pdfs/products/therapy-areas/vaccine/1137881-d2-Leaflet-qiv-ak.pdf

3. https://ncdc.mohfw.gov.in/includes/Health_Information/seasonalinfluenza.php

4. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/influenza-(seasonal)

5. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9746468/