Agrippal (influenza vaccine)

How does it work?

Agrippal is an influenza vaccine that contains inactivated fragments from three different strains of the virus that causes influenza (flu). The vaccine works by provoking the body's immune response, without causing the disease.

When the body is exposed to foreign organisms, the immune system produces antibodies. These antibodies are specific to the infecting agent and their first function is to help the body recognise and kill the foreign organisms. The antibodies formed remain in the body and recognise any future attack with the same organism. This forms what is known as immunity, as it enables the body to launch a swift attack against the invading organism, before it can cause disease.

Protection against many infections can be provided artificially by means of vaccines derived from altered forms of infecting organisms. These vaccines stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies in the same way as genuine infection, without actually causing the disease. As the organisms stimulate the production of a specific type of antibody, a different vaccine must be used for each disease.

Influenza vaccines provide immunity against infection with the influenza virus and therefore prevent flu. The flu virus, however, is constantly changing its structure (mutating). This means that each year a different vaccine containing different strains of the virus is required. This vaccine contains the strains of influenza that have been identified by the World Health Organisation and the EU as being prevalent for the 2007 to 2008 season.

The influenza vaccine is recommended for people who run an increased risk of complications if they get flu. These risk groups include people aged over 65 years, people living in long-stay residential care homes, and those older than six months of age with any of the following: chronic lung disease, including asthma; chronic kidney disease; chronic heart disease; diabetes; HIV infection; or an underactive immune system, either due to disease or treatment. Carers and healthcare workers who are involved in direct patient care are also advised to have the vaccine.

Influenza vaccination should be repeated each year with the appropriate, approved vaccine. Protection usually occurs within two to three weeks after vaccination, and the duration of the immunity varies, but usually lasts 6 to 12 months. Children who have not previously been vaccinated against influenza should receive a second dose following an interval of at least four weeks after their first vaccination.

The influenza vaccine will only protect against flu caused by the influenza virus. It will not prevent flu-like illnesses caused by other germs.

What is it used for?

Prevention of flu .

Warning!

People whose immune system is underactive, for example due to diseases such as HIV or AIDS, or treatment with immunosuppressant medicines such as chemotherapy or corticosteroids, may not produce an adequate immune response to this vaccine. For further advice talk to your doctor.

Not to be used in

Allergy to eggs or chicken protein.

Allergy to the antibiotics kanamycin or neomycin sulphate.

Allergy to formaldehyde, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) or polysorbate 80.

Feverish illness.

Sudden infection.

This vaccine is not recommended for children under six months of age.

This vaccine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

The manufacturer states that limited safety data suggest that this vaccine could be considered for pregnant women from the second trimester of pregnancy onwards. Pregnant women who have a higher risk of flu complications because they fall into one of the groups listed above may receive this vaccine in any trimester. Discuss this with your doctor.

There are no known harmful effects when this vaccine is given to breastfeeding mothers.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this vaccine. Just because a side effect is stated here does not mean that all people having this vaccine will experience that or any side effect.

Headache.

Sweating.

Pain in the muscles and joints.

Pain, swelling, redness and hardening of the skin at the injection site.

Small purplish blood spots in the skin (ecchymoses).

Fever (pyrexia).

A general feeling of being unwell (malaise).

Shivering.

Fatigue.

Rash or itching.

Allergic reaction to active ingredient.

Pins and needles (paraesthesia).

Seizures (convulsions).

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the vaccine's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this vaccine, please read the information provided with the vaccine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this vaccine affect other medicines?

This vaccine may be given at the same time as other vaccines, but if so, the vaccines should be given into different limbs.

People taking medicines that suppress the activity of the immune system, such as corticosteroids, medicines to prevent transplant rejection, or anticancer (chemotherapy) medicines, may not produce an adequate immune response to this vaccine. If you are taking any of these medicines you should discuss this with your doctor.

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