Patient Education
What is Influenza?
Influenza is an infection which affects the respiratory system. It is caused by the Influenza virus also known as the flu virus.
The Influenza virus commonly affects the lungs and throat (respiratory system). It can present with symptoms of cough, cold, fever and/or muscle pain. These symptoms usually last 5-7 days.
How is Influenza virus spread?
Influenza virus spreads by contact from person to person. It usually spreads seasonally peaking in monsoons and winters in India. It commonly occurs among children as they have a weaker immunity. It then spreads to others in the community as well.
What is the complication of Influenza infection?
Influenza can complicate into Lung infection (infection), Respiratory tract infection (Bronchitis), Sinus infection and can reach the ear causing Ear infections.
What are the Influenza vaccines available?
IIV Inactivated Influenza Vaccine - is made from killed germs.
LAIV Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine – is made from weakened live germs.
How is the Influenza Vaccine given?
IIV Inactivated vaccine is given intramuscularly.
LAIV Live attenuated vaccine is given via drops in the nos
What is the Schedule for Influenza Vaccination?
IIV Vaccine
Recommended for first time vaccination to children aged 6 months – 5 years.
1st dose: 6 months Influenza IIV 1 – 0.5 ml (15ug)
2nd dose: 7 months (at least 4 weeks apart).
Repeated annually every year until 5 years of age.
6 months - 8 years: 2 doses given, atleast 4 weeks apart.
Over 8 years: Single dose of IIV recommended.
LAIV Vaccine
Minimum age required for LAIV is 2 years. It is recommended to be used only in healthy children aged 2-18 years.
When is the best time to vaccinate for Influenza?
The best time to vaccinate against Influenza is atleast 2-4 weeks before the monsoon season.
It is also advisable to vaccinate oneself with the latest strain available.
Is the Influenza vaccine safe to use?
Yes, the Influenza virus is considered safe.
Side effects of Influenza Vaccine?
Side effects are not commonly seen after administering the influenza vaccine, but when they do occur, it can present as soreness, redness, swelling and pain at the site of injection.
Whom to give?
Influenza vaccine should be given to all children between 6 months – 5 years annually.
Children who are prone to complications of Influenza should receive the annual vaccine even after the age of 5.
Whom not to give?
IIV and LAIV cannot be given to
- Anyone who had a severe allergic reaction after a previous dose of Influenza
- Anyone with a nervous system disorder like GBS Guillain Barre Syndrome
- Anyone with a severe egg allergy (not mild egg allergy)
LAIV specifically cannot be given
- Children with weak immune systems – Immunodeficiency, Chronic medical conditions, Asthmatic children or who had wheezing episodes in the last year
- Children who have taken influenza antiviral medications in the last 48 hours
1. Iapindia.org [Internet] IAP Vaccine Information. ACVIP: 2020-2021 Available from: https://iapindia.org/vaccine-information/
2. Acvip.org (Internet) Influenza Advisory Committee on Vaccines & Immunization Practices. Available from: https://acvip.org/
3. IAP Immunization Timetable 2020/21: IAP Recommended Vaccines for Routine Use