Influenza vaccine is a vaccine to prevent flu. Influenza vaccination is recommended to be carried out regularly every year to maintain optimal vaccine protection.
One type of influenza vaccine in Indonesia is made from an inactivated influenza virus. Injecting the influenza vaccine will make the body produce antibodies that can fight the influenza virus.
There are two types of influenza vaccines, namely trivalent and vaccines quadrivalent. Vaccine trivalent can provide protection against three types of influenza virus, namely influenza A (H1N1), influenza A (H3N3), and influenza B.
While the vaccine quadrivalent can provide protection against two influenza A virus variants and two influenza B virus variants.
Influenza vaccine trademarks: Agrippal, Fluarix, Vaxigrip
What is the Influenza Vaccine
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Vaccine |
| Benefit | Prevent flu |
| Used by | Adults and children |
| Influenza vaccine for pregnant and lactating women | Category B: Animal studies have not shown any risk to the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. It is not known whether the influenza vaccine is absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Inject |
Warning Before Receiving Influenza Vaccine
Here are things you should pay attention to before receiving the influenza vaccine:
- Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Influenza vaccine should not be given to someone who is allergic to the ingredients in this vaccine, latex, or eggs.
- Tell your doctor if you have a fever or other infectious disease, vaccination will be postponed until your condition improves.
- Tell your doctor if you have a nervous system disorder, such as Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS). Influenza vaccination is not recommended for people with this condition.
- Tell your doctor if you have or are currently suffering from a blood clotting disorder or seizure.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction after you get an influenza vaccine shot.
Influenza Vaccine Dosage and Schedule
In accordance with the immunization schedule issued by the Indonesian Pediatrician Association (IDAI), the influenza vaccine is one of the vaccines that must be given to children.
The dose for children younger than 2 years is 0.25 ml. Meanwhile, children aged >2 years and adults are 0.5 ml.
For children who received the influenza vaccine for the first time at the age of 6 months to 8 years, the vaccine was given in 2 doses with an interval of at least 4 weeks, then the vaccination was repeated every year.
For children aged over 9 years and adults, the influenza vaccine is enough to be given once a year.
In children or adults who have a compromised immune system, the influenza vaccine is given 2 doses with an interval of at least 4 weeks, so that antibodies are formed properly.
How to give the Influenza Vaccine
Always follow your doctor's instructions and recommendations before receiving the influenza vaccine. Influenza vaccine will be given directly by a doctor or health worker under the supervision of a doctor at a health facility (faskes). Follow the injection schedule given by the doctor.
Influenza vaccine is recommended to be given to some patients with the following conditions:
- Children with chronic diseases, such as asthma, kidney disease, immune system weakness, and diabetes
- Children and adults with metabolic disease, including impaired kidney function, immune system weakness, or blood disorders, such as hemoglobinopathies
- A person who is at risk of transmitting or contracting the influenza virus, including health workers
- All healthy children 6–23 months of age and all adults 65 years of age and over
In children aged 6 months to 1 year, the vaccine will be injected in the thigh muscle, while in children older than 1 year and adults, the vaccine will be injected in the deltoid muscle located in the upper arm.
Influenza Vaccine Interactions with Other Drugs
When used with immunosuppressant drugs, the effectiveness of the influenza vaccine in providing protection against the virus may decrease. In addition, treatment with anticoagulant drugs, such as warfarin, along with influenza vaccination may increase the risk of bleeding.
To avoid side effects, always tell your doctor about any medications, supplements, or herbal products you are taking.
Influenza Vaccine Side Effects and Dangers
There are several side effects that can appear after getting an influenza vaccine injection, including:
- Headache or dizziness
- Mild fever
- Pain or redness at the injection site
- Muscle aches, fatigue, and weakness
- Faint
Check with your doctor if these side effects don't go away or get worse. In addition, see a doctor immediately if you experience an allergic reaction after the influenza vaccine injection.
