Influvac Tetra 2026 PFS 0.5ml

Benefits
Influvac Tetra 2026 PFS 0.5ml is a quadrivalent influenza vaccine designed to protect against four common strains of the flu virus. It works by stimulating your immune system to produce antibodies, helping your body develop resistance to circulating influenza viruses. This annual vaccination helps reduce the risk of flu-related complications, hospitalizations, and the burden on caregivers, especially for vulnerable individuals like children above 6 months, elderly adults, and those with chronic health conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, COPD, or heart failure.

Dosage and Administration
Influvac Tetra 2026 PFS 0.5ml is typically administered as a single 0.5 mL dose each year, usually in autumn before the flu season begins. For children less than 9 years of age who have not previously been vaccinated against seasonal influenza, a second dose of 0.5 mL should be given after an interval of at least 4 weeks. The vaccine is administered by a doctor, nurse, or pharmacist, either as an intramuscular or deep subcutaneous injection. The preferred sites for intramuscular injection are the anterolateral aspect of the thigh for children 6 months through 35 months of age, or the deltoid muscle for children from 36 months of age and adults. It should never be administered intravenously.

Ingredients
Each 0.5 mL dose of Influvac Tetra 2026 PFS contains 15 micrograms of haemagglutinin from each of the four influenza virus strains recommended for the 2026 influenza season, totaling 60 micrograms. These strains are: A/Missouri/11/2025 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus, A/Singapore/GP20238/2024 (H3N2)-like virus, B/Austria/1359417/2021-like virus (B/Victoria lineage), and B/Phuket/3073/2013-like virus (B/Yamagata lineage). The vaccine antigens are propagated in fertilised hens' eggs and are inactivated by formaldehyde treatment. It may also contain trace amounts of egg proteins (ovalbumin, chicken proteins), formaldehyde, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, polysorbate 80, or gentamicin, which are used during the manufacturing process.

Patient Concerns
Patients commonly express concerns about potential side effects such as pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site, as well as general symptoms like headache and tiredness. While most side effects are mild and resolve quickly, there is a rare concern about serious allergic reactions. See the FAQs section on this page for more detailed questions and answers.

Precautions and Safety
Do not receive Influvac Tetra 2026 PFS 0.5ml if you have a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to any component of the vaccine or a previous dose of any influenza vaccine. Immunization should be postponed if you have a febrile illness or acute infection. People with egg allergy, including severe egg allergy, can generally be safely vaccinated unless they have previously experienced a serious adverse reaction to influenza vaccines. Inform your doctor if you have a bleeding disorder or thrombocytopenia, as bleeding may occur following intramuscular administration. Inactivated influenza vaccines can be used during all stages of pregnancy and lactation. If you are taking immunosuppressant medicines, the expected immune response to the vaccine may be diminished. It is important to note that fainting or stress-related reactions can occur with any needle injection.

Side Effects and Risks
Most side effects are mild and usually clear up within a few days. Common side effects include:

• Pain, redness, swelling, bruising, or a hard lump at the injection site.
• Headache.
• Tiredness or fatigue.
• Muscle and joint aches/pains.
• Generally feeling unwell, shivering, and sweating.
• In children, additional common side effects include stomach upset, diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, irritability, drowsiness, and fever.

Serious side effects are rare but can include:

• Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), which may involve swelling of limbs, face, eyes, mouth or throat, shortness of breath, breathing or swallowing difficulties, hives, or severe skin reactions.
• Neurological disorders such as encephalomyelitis, neuritis, and Guillain-Barré syndrome.

If you experience any serious side effects, seek immediate medical attention.

Storage and Disposal
Influvac Tetra 2026 PFS 0.5ml should be stored in a refrigerator between 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). It must not be frozen, as freezing destroys the vaccine. Keep the vaccine in its original packaging to protect it from light and out of the reach of young children. For disposal of any leftover or expired vaccine, consult your pharmacist.

Substitutes and Brand Comparisons
Influvac Tetra is a quadrivalent influenza vaccine, meaning it protects against four influenza strains. Other quadrivalent and trivalent influenza vaccine options are available in the market, such as Flucelvax, Fluad, and Fluzone. The specific strains included in influenza vaccines are updated annually based on World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations to provide protection against the most prevalent circulating viruses. Annual vaccination with an age-appropriate vaccine of updated antigen composition is recommended.

Uses and Indications
Influvac Tetra 2026 PFS 0.5ml is indicated for the prevention of influenza (flu) caused by influenza virus types A and B. It is recommended for adults and children from 6 months of age and older, particularly those who are at an increased risk of developing complications associated with influenza.

Disclaimer
This medicine should be used only under the prescription and guidance of a qualified doctor or pharmacist.