• Active immunization for the prevention of influenza caused by virus strains contained in the vaccine:
    • Adults & children ≥9 years: IM 0.5 mL IM injection OD (once per year)
    • Children 6 months–8 years: IM 0.25 mL or 0.5 mL depending on product
      • Two doses (1 month apart) during first vaccination season

IM injection:

  • Each 0.5 mL dose typically contains 15 µg of hemagglutinin from each of the 4 influenza virus strains
  • Administer IM usually in the deltoid (adults/older children) or anterolateral thigh (infants/toddlers)
  • Shake the prefilled syringe gently before use
  • Do not inject IV or SC
  • Annual revaccination is necessary due to seasonal strain variation

Inactivated viral vaccine

  • Stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies against influenza virus hemagglutinin antigens
  • Provides protection by priming the immune system to rapidly respond to future infections with similar strains
  • Injection site pain
  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Fever
  • Fatigue
  • Malaise
  • Headache
  • Muscle aches
  • Known severe hypersensitivity to any component of the vaccine (e.g., egg protein in some formulations)
  • History of anaphylaxis to previous influenza vaccine
  • Moderate or severe acute illness (postpone until recovery)
  • Immunosuppressive therapy (e.g., chemotherapy, corticosteroids)

                                   Drug Status

Availability Prescription only
Pregnancy Safe in all trimesters; strongly recommended, especially during flu season
Breastfeeding  Safe
Schedule Not controlled
BRAND NAME STRENGTH FORMULATION PACK SIZE MANUFACTURER DISTRIBUTOR
Influvac FDC Injection 1D Abbott Labs Sai Pharma
Vaxigrip Tetra NH FDC Pre-Filled Syringe 1D Sanofi Pasteur Ressourcethica Kenya
Vaxigrip Tetra SH FDC Pre-Filled Syringe 1D Sanofi Pasteur Ressourcethica Kenya