FLUAD

FLUAD^® is an unfunded prescription medicine — normal charges will apply. FLUAD^® is an inactivated influenza vaccine, with an MF59™ adjuvant, as a suspension for injection in a single-dose prefilled glass syringe with a needle. PRESENTATION: Each 0.5 mL dose contains 15 µg of surface haemagglutinin from relevant seasonal influenza virus strains INDICATIONS: FLUAD^® is for active immunisation against the strains of influenza contained in the vaccine, and is for elderly people (65 years of age and older), and especially those with an increased risk of complications associated with influenza. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Anaphylactic reaction to a previous influenza vaccination, or hypersensitivity to the active substances, adjuvant, or any other constituents or trace residues (such as ovalbumin, kanamycin sulfate, neomycin sulfate, formaldehyde, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, barium sulfate, or hydrocortisone). Postpone immunisation in patients with febrile illness or acute infection. ADVERSE EVENTS: The most common were systemic (such as headache, sweating, myalgia, arthralgia, fever, malaise, shivering, or fatigue) and injection-site reactions (such as redness, swelling, pain, ecchymosis, or induration). Most of these reactions disappear within 1-2 days, without treatment. Rare but serious events include thrombocytopenia; lymphadenopathy; muscular weakness; allergic reactions such as anaphylactic shock, anaphylaxis, or angioedema; encephalomyelitis, Guillain Barrè syndrome, neuritis, neuralgia, paraesthesia, or convulsions; vasculitis with transient renal involvement; generalised skin reactions (such as erythema multiforme, pruritus, urticaria or non-specific rash); and severe injection-site reactions (extensive limb swelling or cellulitis-like reactions). EFFICACY: Antibody responses to FLUAD^® are generally greater than those produced by non-adjuvanted vaccines. Seroprotection generally occurs within 2 to 3 weeks, with a duration of 6–12 months. PRECAUTIONS: Antibody responses may not be protective in all vaccinees, particularly in immunosuppressed patients. FLUAD^® is not for intravascular or subcutaneous administration. Ensure appropriate care is available in case of a rare anaphylactic event. The needle cover contains natural rubber latex. Co-administration with other vaccines has not been studied. DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION: Gently shake before use to produce a milky-white suspension, and inject a single 0.5 mL dose into the deltoid muscle. Store at 2–8°C; do not freeze; protect from light. Before prescribing, review the FLUAD^® Data Sheet at www.seqirus.co.nz, or from Seqirus (NZ) Ltd, Auckland. FLUAD^® is a registered trademark of Seqirus UK Ltd. NZ/FQIV/1020/0011. TAPSDA2037MV. INSIGHT 10461. Updated October 2020.