What flu vaccinations are there? What is more effective: Vaxigrip or Influvac? Which flu vaccine is best? Flu vaccination methods
Vaccine options
The first influenza vaccines were made from killed or neutralized viruses, they are called whole virion, as well as from attenuated strains, the so-called live vaccines. Almost all modern vaccinations for the prevention of influenza are inactivated (killed) vaccines with a replaceable strain composition. Influenza viruses for all vaccinations without exception are grown on chicken embryos, which is reflected in the list of contraindications for vaccination.
Most inactivated whole-virion influenza shots consist of purified and concentrated viruses cultured in chicken embryos that have been inactivated by formaldehyde or UV irradiation. Inactivated vaccinations, in turn, are divided into whole-virion vaccines, which are based on undestroyed whole influenza viruses; pre-killed and purified, split, or split vaccines, which include particles of destroyed virions, that is, the full antigenic composition (external and internal proteins). Subunit influenza vaccines are also used, which consist of a mixture of two viral proteins: hemagglutinin and neuraminidase. Therefore, these vaccines have a minimal number of adverse reactions.
Virosomal vaccines are a new technology in the production of vaccination material. These vaccinations contain an inactivated virosomal complex with surface antigens of the influenza virus. Virosomes enhance the immune response to vaccination. The virosomal vaccine does not contain preservatives (thiomersal) and is well tolerated.
In Russia, the following inactivated trivalent influenza vaccinations are mainly used: “Grippovac”, “Vaxigrip”, “Begrivac”, “Agrippal S1”, “Grippol”, “Grippol plus”, “Influvac”, “Fluarix”, “Inflexal V” ( virsomal vaccine). A total of 18 vaccinations have been registered in Russia.
Classification of trivalent influenza vaccines
| Generation and type | Compound | Main Features | Examples |
Live vaccines |
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| Whole virion vaccines | Live attenuated unpurified virus |
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Inactivated vaccines |
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| I – whole virion vaccines | Whole virus that has undergone inactivation and minor purification |
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| II – split (split) vaccines | Particles of destroyed virus, surface and internal proteins and lipids |
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| III – subunit vaccines | Highly purified influenza virus surface antigens (hemagglutinin and neuraminidase) |
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| IV – subunit adjuvanted vaccines | Highly purified surface antigens of the influenza virus and an effective safe immunoadjuvant Polyoxidonium |
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| Highly purified influenza virus surface antigens embedded in liposomes |
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| Highly purified surface antigens of influenza virus and adjuvant Sovidon |
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Principles and purposes of vaccination
Vaccination is especially important for people at increased risk of developing serious flu complications and for people who live with or care for people at high risk. WHO recommends annual influenza vaccination for the following populations: pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy; children from 6 months to 5 years; seniors 65 years and older; people with chronic diseases; healthcare workers.
Since 2006, influenza vaccination has been included in the National Calendar of Preventive Vaccinations of the Russian Federation. The following are subject to annual vaccination: children from 6 months of age, children attending preschool institutions, students in grades 1-11, students of higher vocational and secondary vocational educational institutions, adults working in certain professions and positions (workers of medical and educational institutions, transport, public utilities and etc.), adults over 60 years of age.
It is important to note that the composition of vaccines changes every year. This is done to provide maximum protection against the “wild” influenza virus. This process is carried out under the control of the World Health Organization. It is responsible for predicting the strains of the flu virus that will circulate in the expected season, and sending these strains to vaccine manufacturers. In most countries, influenza vaccination is carried out annually.
Vaccine effectiveness
The use of influenza vaccination reduces the incidence rate by 1.4-1.7 times, helps reduce the severity of the disease, and prevents the development of severe complications and deaths. The vaccine is effective in all age groups in approximately 70-90% of cases.
Immunization reduces hospitalizations for pneumonia by 40% in healthy adults and by 45 to 85% in older adults. In addition, the frequency of otitis media is reduced by 36-69%, exacerbations of chronic bronchitis by 20%, and the number of exacerbations of bronchial asthma is reduced by 60-70%. In organized groups of elderly people (nursing homes, boarding schools), mortality from influenza is reduced by 80%.
Immunity after administration of the vaccine is formed within 14 days and lasts throughout the season. Unfortunately, the immunity developed after vaccination is short-lived. This is largely due to the high variability of the circulating influenza virus, the emergence of a new or even the return of an old subtype of the virus. In this regard, the anti-influenza immunity developed in the previous year does not protect against the disease in the current year. Therefore, annual immunization is necessary using only the vaccine of the current year of production. Vaccinations with last year's vaccines are only 20-40% effective.
Post-vaccination reactions
Whole-virion influenza vaccinations are relatively highly reactogenic. Therefore, when using them, general reactions may develop in the form of increased body temperature, headache, weakness, as well as local reactions in the form of swelling, redness and pain at the injection site. Usually these reactions are mild and go away on their own.
Subunit, split, and virosomal vaccines are the least reactogenic of all flu vaccines. Only in 3% of cases are vaccinated people allowed to develop adverse reactions.
Risk of post-vaccination complications
If you are hypersensitive to certain components of the influenza vaccine, itchy skin, hives, or other rash may occur. Severe (systemic) allergic reactions such as anaphylactic shock may occur extremely rarely. From the nervous system: often - headache, rarely - paresthesia, convulsions. However, no convincing confirmation of the connection between these reactions and vaccination has been obtained.
Contraindications
For all influenza vaccines:
- hypersensitivity to chicken protein or any other component of the vaccine
- severe fever or allergic reactions after previous vaccination with influenza vaccines.
Influenza vaccination is postponed until the end of acute manifestations of the disease and exacerbation of chronic diseases. For mild ARVI, acute intestinal and other diseases, vaccination is carried out immediately after the patient has established a normal temperature.
The live vaccine is not used in children under 3 years of age, pregnant women and people with impaired immunity.
When to vaccinate?
Children can start flu vaccinations at 6 months of age. Vaccination against influenza is carried out annually.
Children from 6 months to 3 years of age who have not previously been vaccinated against influenza are vaccinated 2 times with 0.25 ml with an interval of 1 month.
Ask a question to a specialist
Question for vaccination experts
Questions and answers
I heard that if you get a flu shot, then you have to do it constantly, because... your immunity no longer works. Is this true?
No, that's not true. Annual influenza vaccination is carried out due to the variability of the virus and therefore the updating of the vaccine. In addition, post-vaccination immunity does not last long and gradually fades away. Considering the above, annual vaccination is required.
An international study was conducted, summarizing a meta-analysis of 52 studies comparing the immune response in first- and repeat-vaccinated people, in which more than 12 thousand people took part in total; the study showed that vaccination against influenza does not reduce immunity.
The whole world (including our country) lives according to WHO recommendations, which state that “the recommended vaccination regimen is one dose of inactivated vaccine annually, with the exception of previously unvaccinated preschoolers, who are indicated for two doses of influenza vaccine with an interval of 1 month
We want to vaccinate our 2 year old daughter. 11 months Vaxigrip and combine with Act-Hib vaccine. But my daughter after bronchitis. There is a residual cough in the morning and throughout the day. Do I need to get two vaccinations, one month apart? The second vaccination will take place during the New Year holidays. Is it better to install it later or earlier?
Answered by Kharit Susanna Mikhailovna
To be vaccinated, the child must be healthy for at least 2 weeks. Vaccination against influenza (if the child has not had the flu and has not previously been vaccinated against influenza) is carried out twice at your age, and can be combined with vaccination against Haemophilus influenzae. Be careful, the flu is already being registered in our country and now there is a risk of contracting this infection, since immunity is developed no earlier than 2 weeks after vaccination.
Can I refuse the flu vaccine? Does an employer have the right to fire an employee who refuses this vaccination?
Answered by Kharit Susanna Mikhailovna
According to the National Preventive Vaccination Calendar, adults working in certain professions and positions are subject to flu vaccination. The list can be viewed at the link http://docs.cntd.ru/document/901738896 On approval of the list of works, the performance of which is associated with a high risk of infectious diseases and requires mandatory preventive vaccinations (as amended on December 24, 2014).
In accordance with the law, those citizens who ignore the law, indeed, TEMPORARILY, and in a certain epidemic situation, may not be allowed to work unless a certain set of vaccinations has been completed, incl. seasonal for influenza - based on Part 2 of Art. 76 of the Labor Code of the Russian Federation, the employer suspends the employee from work (does not allow him to work) for the entire period of time until the circumstances that served as the basis for removal from work or not being allowed to work are eliminated.
Yes, it is not always possible to get vaccinated due to health reasons on the day of vaccination or due to medical exemptions. It is worth considering that on the day of vaccination a medical examination is required, the results of which are recorded in writing. If a person has a runny nose, elevated body temperature or blood pressure, the vaccine is not given, but is postponed until recovery. The employer pays for the vaccination.
Who, when and for what reason included employees of higher educational institutions of Russia in the group of people who are required to be vaccinated against influenza? According to current legislation, university teachers can be fired if they have medical contraindications and cannot get vaccinated. Who came up with this? People worked for 20 years without any vaccinations, and now they have to be fired? In the WHO recommendations for groups that need to be vaccinated against influenza, I don’t even see school workers, let alone universities.
Polibin Roman Vladimirovich answers
Teachers are the so-called decreed contingent. There is a law on immunoprophylaxis of the Russian Federation dated July 15, 1999 N 825. It contains a “List of work, the performance of which is associated with a high risk of contracting infectious diseases and requires mandatory preventive vaccinations.” Clause No. 12 determines that those at risk for infections include “work in all types and types of educational institutions.” And in accordance with the Federal Law of June 30, 2006 N 91-FZ “On Amendments to Art. 9 of the Federal Law “On Immunoprophylaxis of Infectious Diseases”, influenza vaccinations are also included in the national calendar of preventive vaccinations. So, in an epidemiological sense, teachers are considered a risk group. And in accordance with the law, those citizens who ignore the law, indeed, TEMPORARILY, and in a certain epidemic situation, may not be allowed to work unless a certain set of vaccinations has been completed, incl. seasonal influenza (based on Part 2 of Article 76 of the Labor Code of the Russian Federation, the employer suspends the employee from work (does not allow him to work) for the entire period of time until the circumstances that served as the basis for removal from work or non-admission to work are eliminated). Yes, it is not always possible to get vaccinated due to health reasons on the day of vaccination or due to medical exemptions. On the day of vaccination, a medical examination is required, the results of which are recorded in writing. If a person has a runny nose, elevated body temperature or blood pressure, the vaccine is not given, but is postponed until recovery. The employer pays for the vaccination.
The eldest child, 13 years old, was diagnosed with bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis, polynoses, chronic disease. pancreatitis. Do I need to get a flu shot and, if so, which one is better?
Answered by Kharit Susanna Mikhailovna
It is absolutely necessary - you can use Grippol Plus, it has been studied for use in children with asthma and food allergies at the Scientific Center for Children's Health.
The child is 5 years old. The first time we were vaccinated against the flu. Vaxigrip vaccine. 0.5 ml was injected once. Is it necessary to re-administer the vaccine at a dosage of 0.5 ml after 4 weeks?
Answered by Kharit Susanna Mikhailovna
Yes, this vaccine is used to vaccinate children under 9 years of age who have not previously been vaccinated and have not had the flu.
Can a nursing mother get a flu vaccine?
Answered by Kharit Susanna Mikhailovna
It can be a non-live vaccine, the kind that is given to children from 6 months of age.
Flu shot 2018-2019, which vaccine is better - rating and review of the best vaccines, as well as reviews from doctors and patients about the effectiveness and contraindications of the drugs. Hong Kong, Japanese, Californian, Spanish and other types of flu annually excite the minds and imagination of citizens. But the saddest thing is that there really are a lot of deaths and complications.
Doctors have very different opinions regarding flu vaccinations; for example, some believe that the best vaccine can only be a live one, after which a truly impenetrable immunity is formed. Ordinary citizens judge differently, mainly taking into account the number of side effects. It’s no secret that after receiving live vaccines, many people get very sick. The opposite effect may also occur, when the vaccine kills the remnants of immunity, and the person simply does not get out of sick leave.
This makes ranking the best flu shots of 2018-2019 very difficult, especially given the potential allegations of commercial interests. I would like to warn you right away that the author is generally against flu vaccination, especially for young and healthy people. The best remedy that does not have side effects is the use of garlic in combination with sports, vitamins, good nutrition and a healthy lifestyle. By the way, the use of garlic by people who work with clients increases the time for rest and speeds up empty conversations.
But since it is impossible to dissuade a huge number of people from getting a flu shot while simultaneously switching to garlic, and the opinion of the Ministry of Health must be taken into account, a list of the most popular drugs should still be compiled.
Flu vaccine rating
The rating of the best flu vaccinations for 2018-2019 was compiled very roughly, taking into account several criteria. This rating is not based on clinical trials; it is based on the opinions and reviews of patients' doctors. Again, these reviews are different everywhere, so you can’t hope for complete objectivity, but in general terms, you can get a more or less accurate idea from this information.
For side effects and contraindications:
Whole-cell live and inactivated vaccines, which use slightly purified or killed influenza virus, have the highest incidence of side effects. Even the injection site often turns red and hurts, and the patient can become seriously ill after the vaccination. It is thanks to such drugs that influenza vaccination has so many opponents.
Split vaccines contain proteins, but the virus itself is destroyed. This is the most popular type of vaccine today. But in terms of the number of side effects, subunit vaccines, where everything is as purified as possible, are the safest.
By efficiency:
People who believe that Zhiguli is better than Mercedes, and that the USA and the EU are rotting, can safely get the Russian Grippol vaccine. It's even possible.
Everyone else is recommended to use imported Influvac. Why her? Because there are a lot of positive reviews about it on the forums, at least more than others. You can also google and find recommendations from immunologists and pediatricians, parents of children, and so on.
Given the development of technology, in a few years a new flu vaccine 2018-2019 may appear. Which vaccine is better will be discussed from a slightly different perspective, for example, some doctors talk about the prospects of whole-cell drugs, they say, they can be made safe.
The school year has begun for schoolchildren. Kindergartens are already actively accepting children into groups. Meanwhile, parents have already been given consent or refusal forms for the flu vaccine. What are the best flu vaccines for 2019? Read more about this.
The composition of influenza vaccines should be changed annually, in accordance with WHO recommendations on the expected circulation of influenza viruses in the expected epidemic. season.
In the last few years, influenza vaccines have included 3 antigenically relevant strains of subtypes A/H1N1/, A/H3N2/ and B. Immunity after vaccination is short-lived. Therefore, vaccinations are recommended every year.
This year, the Sovigripp vaccine arrived at our clinic, according to the instructions, completely identical to last year. You can familiarize yourself with its composition and instructions in detail. And in the article below you can compare it with other vaccines. But there are still differences in the composition of Sovigrippa and other vaccines of 2018 from last year’s (2017). You can find out more about this. And after that, make a decision regarding the flu shot.
Flu vaccines 2019 Which one is better?
According to the National Calendar of Preventive Vaccinations of Russia, flu vaccinations are carried out for children from six months of age, students in grades 1-11, students of institutes, universities and special vocational schools, adults, some professions and positions (medical workers and teachers, educators, drivers and conductors of public transport , etc.), people over 60 years old.
Timely vaccination against influenza leads to the formation of sufficient immunity in 80-90% of children. Provided that the antigenic composition of the vaccine matches the antigenic structure of the influenza virus strain currently circulating in a given region. All vaccines approved in Russia meet this requirement.
All children from six months of age need a flu vaccine. But children from risk groups should be vaccinated first.
At-risk groups
- Children with chronic lung diseases, including bronchial asthma and chronic bronchitis.
- As well as children with heart diseases, including children with hemodynamic disorders, receiving immunosuppressive treatment, with anemia and other hemopathy.
- Children with diabetes, chronic kidney disease and metabolic diseases; children with immunodeficiencies, including those infected with HIV.
- Children and adolescents who have been receiving aspirin or its analogues for a long time are also at risk of developing Reye's syndrome against the background of influenza.
- It is also necessary to vaccinate adults who care for these children, hospital staff and child care institutions, and relatives.
Flu vaccinations are included in the Russian National Vaccination Calendar of Russia by order of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation No. 51 dated January 31, 2011 as an epidemiological vaccination. indications.
Contraindications to vaccination
- Allergy to chicken proteins, aminoglycoside antibiotics or other vaccine components. Or an allergy to previous flu shots.
- Acute diseases or exacerbations of chronic ones. Vaccinations are given after recovery or during remission.
- For mild forms of ARVI and OKI, vaccinations are given immediately after body temperature normalizes.
It is recommended to get vaccinated against influenza in late summer or fall, before the start of the flu and ARVI season. Flu vaccinations can be combined with vaccinations against other infections (except BCG). Provided that different vaccinations are given with different syringes in different parts of the body.
After a flu vaccination, children may have an increase in body temperature for 2 days. Or redness, swelling and soreness at the injection site.
There are flu vaccines
- Alive weakened.
- Killed or inactivated whole virions.
- Split (split and subunit, virosomal).
- After vaccination, immunity begins to form within 2-3 weeks and lasts for 1 year.
Ultravac
Ultravac is a live influenza vaccine. It contains live attenuated influenza A viruses (H1N1 and H3N2) and influenza B viruses, which are obtained from the virus-containing fluid of chicken embryos. This is a domestic vaccine. It is produced in Irkutsk by the Microgen association.
It is administered once as an instillation into the nose for children aged 3 years and older. The injection is made using a syringe with a special spray nozzle attached to it instead of a needle. Inject 0.25 ml of vaccine into each nostril.
The immune response to its administration is stronger than with other vaccines. And the immune system is more stable.
Contraindications
For this vaccine, additional contraindications are added to the general ones.
- The vaccine is not administered to children under 3 years of age.
- The vaccine is live, therefore it is not administered to children with immunodeficiencies, malignant neoplasms, receiving immunosuppressants, pregnant or lactating women.
- Because The vaccine is administered intranasally, a runny nose is a contraindication.
Side effects
After vaccination, the temperature may rise to 37.5 and runny nose. Which resolve spontaneously, without treatment, within 3 days.
The Microgen company also produces monovalent live influenza vaccines for adults (used in people aged 18 to 60 years) Ultragrivak (Irkutsk) and Influvir (Moscow).
Fluentz and Fluentz Tetra
These are live attenuated, i.e. weakened, flu vaccines. Which are produced by the American campaign Astra Zeneca.
They are both intended for children from 2 to 18 years old. The Fluents vaccine contains 2 weakened strains of influenza A virus (H1N1 and H3N2) and 1 strain of influenza B virus. i.e. There are only 3 strains of influenza viruses.
The Fluence Tetra vaccine contains 2 weakened strains of influenza A virus (H1N1 and H3N2) and 2 strains of influenza B virus. only 4 strains of influenza viruses.
Influenza viruses for these vaccines are cultured in chicken embryos. Vaccines are administered intranasally in the form of a nasal spray of 0.1 ml in each nostril. Vaccination is carried out twice with an interval of 1 month.
Side effects and contraindications for this vaccine are similar to those for Ultravac. In addition, the Fluentz and Fluentz Tetra vaccines contain gentamicin. Therefore, they are contraindicated in children with allergies to this antibiotic.
Inactivated influenza vaccine
The inactivated eluate-centrifuge vaccine contains killed influenza viruses entirely. The vaccine contains the same 3 strains of influenza virus as Ultravac, obtained from chicken embryos, only killed and purified. The vaccine contains merthiolate as a preservative.
It is administered to children from 7 years old twice in a dose of 0.5 ml, only intranasally, with an interval of 3-4 weeks. For adults over 18 years of age, the vaccine can be administered subcutaneously. Pregnant and lactating women are not vaccinated with this vaccine.
Contraindications and side effects for this vaccine are similar to those for Ultravac.
Split vaccines
These are vaccines containing destroyed inactivated influenza viruses. They include all the proteins of the virus, both surface and internal. But, due to high purification, they do not contain viral lipids and chicken embryo proteins.
These include Vaxigripp (France), Fluarix (Belgium), Begrivak (Germany), Fluvaxin (China).
Vaxigrip
This is a trivalent split-split vaccine produced in France. Contains surface and internal antigens of 3 strains of viruses. The same ones that are present in Ultravac. But in this vaccine the viruses are destroyed. And the vaccine does not contain reactogenic viral lipids and chicken embryo proteins.
The vaccine contains thiomersal and formaldehyde as preservatives. It also contains the antibiotic neomycin.
Pregnant women in the 1st trimester of pregnancy are not vaccinated. Next, vaccination is indicated.
The vaccine is given intramuscularly or subcutaneously. Children from six months to 3 years old - at a dose of 0.25 ml. For children over 3 years old - in a dose of 0.5 ml. Children under 9 years of age who have not had the flu and have not been vaccinated before are vaccinated twice with an interval of 1 month.
Possible side effects after vaccination are redness and soreness at the injection site. As well as fever, headache, cough. They do not require treatment and resolve spontaneously within 3 days.
Begrivak Flu vaccines 2018 which is better
This is a split vaccine, similar to Vaxigrip, produced in Germany. Contains antigens of the same strains of influenza virus that are grown on chicken embryos, inactivated with formaldehyde and cleaved with ethyl ether. In the production process of the vaccine, Polymyxin B is used, an antibiotic from the group of aminoglycosides.
This vaccine does not contain mercury compounds, but it does contain formaldehyde, ethyl ether and polysorbate 80.
Contraindications and side effects, like Vaxigrip.
Vaccination for pregnant women is carried out with caution, with an assessment of the risks to the fetus. Children are vaccinated from six months of age.
The dose for children under 3 years old is 0.25 ml, for children over 3 years old - 0.5 ml. The vaccine is administered intramuscularly or subcutaneously into the upper third of the shoulder.
Children who have not had the flu and have not been vaccinated before are vaccinated twice with an interval of 1 month, adolescents and adults - once.
Fluarix V8chere
This is a split or split vaccine made in the UK. Influenza viruses in it are grown on chicken embryos and killed with formaldehyde. Gentamicin sulfate and merthiolate are also used in the production process.
The vaccine contains antigens of the same 3 strains of influenza B virus as in previous vaccines. The instructions indicate that the vaccine does not contain merthiolate. It contains polysorbate 80, octoxynol 9.
Pregnant women are vaccinated with Fluarix only if there are compelling indications for this. Children are vaccinated from six months and older.
Vaccination is carried out subcutaneously or intramuscularly. Children under 3 years old - 0.25 ml, children over 3 years old - 0.5 ml. For children under 9 years of age who have not previously been vaccinated and have not had the flu, the vaccine is administered twice with an interval of 1 month. Adolescents and adults - once.
The vaccine does not contain merthiolate. It contains polysorbate 80, octoxynol 9. Side effects and contraindications are the same as previous vaccines.
Fluvaxin
Trivalent split vaccine made in China, similar to the 3 previous vaccines. Contains antigens of the same 3 strains of influenza virus. Fluvaxin also contains thiomersal as a preservative. Contains trace amounts of formaldehyde, otrxinol-9. All recommendations for administration, as well as side effects and contraindications, are similar to the previous 3 vaccines.
Subunit vaccines
Influvac, Agrippal, Inflexal, Grippol, Sovigripp contain only 2 surface antigens of the same 3 strains of influenza virus as the above vaccines: hemagglutinin and neuraminidase. They are most important for the formation of immunity. All other antigens are removed during vaccine purification. Subunit vaccines are the most non-reactogenic vaccines, i.e. they are less likely than others to cause side effects (redness and soreness at the injection site, fever, malaise, allergic reactions) and are well tolerated, but the immune response to them is weaker.
Influvac
Vaccine made in the Netherlands. Does not contain merthiolate. The production process uses polysorbate 80, formaldehyde and gentamicin.
It is administered to children from six months to 3 years old at a dose of 0.25 ml, to children over 3 years old and adults - at a dose of 0.5 ml subcutaneously or intramuscularly. Children under 3 years of age who have not had the flu and are unvaccinated are vaccinated 2 times with an interval of 1 month. Healthy adults and adolescents - once. But for persons with immunodeficiency conditions - 2 times with an interval of 1 month.
Agrippal S1
German subunit vaccine. Does not contain merthiolate. The vaccine may contain the following substances in residual quantities: chicken protein, kanamycin and neomycin, formaldehyde, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide1 (TAB), polysorbate 80, which are used in the production of the vaccine.
The vaccination scheme is the same as Influvac. Indications, contraindications, side effects are the same as for other subunit vaccines.
Sovigripp and Grippol plus
The Grippol plus and Sovigripp vaccines are domestic subunit vaccines. Compared to imported ones, they contain less antigens of each strain of the influenza virus. But there are adjuvants - substances that hold the vaccine at the injection site and enhance the immune response. Read more about flu plus, about sovigrip -. The Sovigripp and Influenza vaccines, intended for vaccination of children, do not contain merthiolate. And the vaccines sovigripp and influenza for adults contain it.
Virosomal vaccines
Inflexal V is a new Swiss-made vaccine using new vaccine production technology. It contains inactivated virosomal complexes with surface antigens of the influenza virus. Virosomes are influenza viruses that lack genetic material, i.e. RNA, but retain the surface structure and all surface proteins, including hemagglutinin and neuraminidase. The virosomes themselves act as an adjuvant - they enhance the immune response to the vaccine.
There are no preservatives in virosomal vaccines. They are well tolerated. The method and schedule of administration are similar to subunit and split vaccines. Can be used in children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with immunodeficiency conditions. The vaccine may contain traces of chicken eggs and aminoglycosides.
This is all about the 2019 flu vaccines, which is better? I wish you good health!
Vaccine prevention of influenza is the introduction into the human body of a biologically active drug for prophylactic purposes, which is capable of forming short-term immunity to the body’s ability to fall under the influence of the influenza virus. Vaccination is considered the most effective preventive measure against this disease. The flu itself is much more dangerous than many people think, since this disease can cause severe consequences, complications and death. Medical science is constantly improving methods for preventing this disease, but to date scientists have not yet found anything better than vaccination.
Types of vaccines
In modern pharmacology, there are a large number of vaccines against the influenza virus. They all differ in their ability to influence the virus, their ability to prevent different strains of the disease, and the gentleness of their effect on the body. In order to wisely choose a flu vaccine, it is best to consult a doctor who will help determine for a particular person which vaccine in his case will be the most effective and will cause the fewest side effects.
All vaccines against the influenza virus help build immune defenses in the body. The choice should be made based on whether a person has an allergic reaction to the drug, which is part of many vaccines, or to specific components of the drug.
By type, vaccines are live, that is, containing a dose of a live attenuated virus, whole virion based on chicken protein, split (protein-free) and subunit. The most popular live vaccine is the Russian drug “Live influenza allantoic vaccine” for intranasal administration, which helps protect against 3 strains of the virus with a single injection. This vaccine can only be administered to the body after the age of 3 years. The whole-virion Russian vaccine “Grippovac” can be used only from the age of seven and only in cases where, after preliminary tests, the patient does not have an allergy to chicken protein or aminoglycosides. If allergic reactions to chicken egg whites are detected, patients are vaccinated using split-split vaccines, such as the French Vaxigrip, the German Begrivak or the English Fluarix, where egg whites are not used as a base. The most well-known subunit vaccines include drugs of Dutch (“Influvac”) and Russian (“Grippol”, “Grippol Plus”) origin.
Most often, a vaccine is poorly tolerated by the human body only if during the administration of the drug the conditions of this procedure were violated, or after vaccination the patient did not comply with certain doctor’s instructions. If all immunization conditions are strictly observed, then any vaccine will be tolerated quite easily.
Vaccination
Most often, vaccination against influenza takes place in a clinic, but vaccination can be done in any other equipped institution if the patient wishes, for example, in a medical office of an enterprise, school, kindergarten, in a hospital, or a private medical clinic.
If the patient is at risk for possible influenza infection, vaccination should be planned and carried out in advance. On the eve of the start of the cold season (the potential season for the spread of the influenza virus - in late November - early December), such patients are invited to clinics, they are examined by a doctor, and then, if there are no health problems at the time of the examination, they are vaccinated.
If a person is not included in the risk group, but wants to independently protect himself from influenza vaccination, he needs to purchase any desired drug for vaccination and go to any medical institution, where he will be examined by a specialist and then given a referral for vaccination or be vaccinated with the drug available for seasonal prevention in all clinics of the country.
The flu vaccine is administered subcutaneously or intramuscularly into the deltoid muscle area. In the case of subcutaneous administration of the vaccine, the drug is injected into the area under the shoulder blade or into the shoulder. Some live vaccines can be administered intranasally by specialists.
It is important to remember that the risk category for influenza includes all children without exception.
However, vaccinating children against influenza has its own characteristics:
- young children can be given the flu vaccine no earlier than six months of age;
- Almost all flu vaccinations for young children are given twice;
- In the case of children, the vaccine is administered only in the femoral area.
Such features are explained by the presence of maternal immunity in a child up to 6 months of age, and the need to strengthen the once-administered vaccination a month later to strengthen immunity. The femoral area is optimal for anti-influenza vaccination in children due to the fact that if the body reacts to the administered drug, it is easiest to carry out resuscitation measures in this area (apply a tourniquet).
At the age when children attend kindergarten, they especially need a flu shot, since they do not yet have immunity to many diseases, and a crowded group of children contributes to the spread of a large number of infections. In the case of influenza, in this state of affairs, an outbreak of an epidemic of the disease is possible. The most ideal situation is when all members of the children's team are vaccinated against influenza. Together with them, all adults who are in constant contact with children - parents, brothers and sisters, teachers - should also be vaccinated. Before vaccinating a child, three days before, he should have minimal contact with third parties who can infect him with any infection. The same should be done for three days after vaccination - crowded places must be excluded from the child’s environment during this period of time. The most optimal situation is when the child, after vaccination, remains at home for a week under the supervision of his parents. If these rules are followed, good specific immunity will be formed.
Contraindications to vaccination
There are several contraindications for influenza vaccines, like any other medications.
Such vaccination is absolutely contraindicated:
- allergy sufferers who are sensitive to chicken protein (applies only to vaccines based on it);
- children under 6 months of age;
- in cases of previous reactions to components of a similar drug.
Temporary vaccination is contraindicated for those who are currently suffering from any infection or are suffering from exacerbation of chronic diseases. Only 2-4 weeks after complete recovery is it recommended to consider the possibility of vaccination.
Contraindications for administering the vaccine do not include cancer, pregnancy, or immunodeficiency. Such diagnoses, on the contrary, serve as a reason for mandatory vaccination, since such people are at increased risk of contracting influenza and developing severe complications of this infection.
You cannot be vaccinated at the onset of any respiratory disease, since usually its onset is difficult to clearly determine and find out immediately what kind of disease a person has become infected with. To get a flu shot, you must recover from the actual infection, wait 14 days, and then use the vaccine.
Vaccination of pregnant and lactating women
Vaccination is the only method of safe and effective prevention of influenza in pregnant women, and has been performed in different countries for more than 20 years with inactivated split vaccines. This statement is based on the significant reduction in the prevalence, severity and consequences of influenza in pregnant women, with potential benefits for the babies they give birth to. According to WHO, pregnant women are a priority group to be vaccinated against influenza. This provision is based on a significant reduction in the prevalence, severity and consequences of influenza in pregnant women, with potential benefits for the babies they give birth to. Most experts agree that during pregnancy you can get vaccinated against influenza in the second or third trimester; it is better to try not to touch the first trimester.
In the case of a nursing mother, vaccination becomes a very necessary manipulation due to the fact that viruses “stick” to the body weakened by childbirth more quickly. Even if enough time has passed after childbirth (several months), the immune system usually does not have time to restore itself due to the woman’s nervousness and lack of sleep. This can cause a nursing mother to easily catch the flu. By getting vaccinated, a woman will not only protect herself, but also protect her child from the virus by obtaining antibodies produced from mother’s breast milk.
But flu vaccination is considered the most desirable and effective when planning pregnancy. During this period, the woman’s body is at the peak of its health, the immune system is not weakened in any way and is able to effectively form the necessary antibodies to any virus. It is important to avoid influenza during pregnancy, since its consequences can be very negative for the child, leading to intrauterine infection and even miscarriage.
High-quality and timely vaccination can save the health, and even life, of the mother and the unborn baby, so experts recommend thinking about vaccination when a woman is just starting to plan her own pregnancy.
How does the vaccine work?
The effect of the influenza vaccine is not aimed at destroying the virus that already exists in the body. Vaccination is designed to mobilize protective immune functions, forming antibodies even before encountering the most common infectious disease.
The compositions of influenza vaccines can vary greatly due to the fact that their base can be either live or inactivated. Inactivated samples are artificially bred by cultivating the virus in a chicken embryo, then purifying it of impurities and rendering it harmless using ultraviolet rays or formaldehyde. The viruses used in vaccines are inactivated and do not cause influenza. However, mild side effects may occur, including a local reaction at the injection site. Live vaccines are whole-virion vaccines with viral virions, split protein-free, subunit vaccines with two viral proteins involved in the formation of an immune response to the virus in the body.
The period for administering the influenza vaccine must be chosen based on WHO forecasts regarding the upcoming epidemic, as well as on the instructions for the specific vaccine, which clearly states the period for developing the body's immune response. As a rule, this period ranges from 10 to 30 days.
The duration of the vaccine's effect also depends on the specific drug. Most often, antibodies to influenza arise as a result of vaccination for up to 6 months. However, in modern pharmacology there are drugs that protect health for 9-12 months.
Anti-influenza vaccination, subject to certain conditions, is the most effective method of protection against the disease. Experts include such conditions as maximum vaccination coverage of the population of all ages, the possibility of isolating sick people from other family members or team members, protection from contacts at the time of vaccine administration, when many come to the clinic and encounter already sick people before vaccination, high awareness of influenza vaccine prevention.
After using a subunit or split vaccine, the patient may experience a local reaction at the injection site for some time. It is completely normal and does not require medical attention as it goes away on its own. Such discomfort usually disappears within 2 days.
Flu vaccines have very low reactogenicity, which means they rarely cause health complications.
The individual characteristics of each human body can sometimes lead to such post-vaccination reactions as:
- allergy to the components of the drug;
- local reaction - infiltration at the injection site;
- the occurrence of mild catarrhal manifestations in the form of low-grade fever, sore throat and other symptoms that go away on their own within 2 days and occur only after the use of live vaccines.
In general, the presence of side effects is, in most cases, a normal reaction of the body to an antigen, reflecting the process of developing immunity.
What is incompatible with vaccination?
There is a very widespread belief that after a person has been vaccinated, he should not take water procedures - a bath, a shower - or in any way wet the injection site. This is not entirely true - you can wash yourself, but you cannot swim in the sea, river, lake or pool, where there is a risk of encountering infections, for the first couple of days after the manipulation. When performing home bath procedures, it is better to give preference to a light shower, without rubbing with a sponge and staying in hot water for a long time - this way the injection site will not become inflamed and disturbed.
Many people are also interested in the possibility of drinking alcohol while the vaccine is being administered and immunity against infection begins to develop. Doctors are categorical in their opinion - after vaccination you should refrain from drinking alcohol for at least three days. At best, the vaccination will be ineffective. In the worst case, it will provoke a disease. You should also give up not only alcohol, but also heavy fatty, fried foods, as well as known natural allergens - citrus fruits and chocolate, so that nothing prevents the body from producing the necessary antibodies to the influenza virus.
Pros and cons of vaccinations
The introduction of an anti-influenza vaccine is not a panacea, although it is considered the most effective means of preventing the disease. It is better to prevent the virus from entering the body in advance than to actively deal with the negative consequences it has caused to health later. Having had the flu once, the body receives immunity, which, however, only applies to the specific strain of the virus that was transferred.
Thus, without vaccination it is almost impossible to protect yourself from the disease.
By administering a vaccine, you can easily and simply relieve a person from the need to be treated for influenza symptoms. In addition, the infection requires large temporary losses, which in modern society not everyone can afford. Regardless of the type or composition of the seasonal influenza vaccine, vaccination should be administered annually to provide optimal protection against infection. However, vaccinations also have disadvantages. They will have little effect on the morbidity situation in people with strong immunity who are not at risk from the epidemiological situation. True, identifying such people is probably becoming increasingly difficult. As already mentioned, vaccination is contraindicated for women in the 1st trimester of pregnancy, in the first six months of a baby’s life, in cases of allergies to its components.
It is definitely worth vaccinating children after 6 months, the older generation over the age of 60, patients with chronic lung diseases, kidney diseases, cardiovascular pathologies, HIV-infected people, diabetics, asthmatics, and people with a history of diseases of the circulatory system. All these categories of citizens, as well as persons who are constantly in direct contact with them, are recommended to undergo timely vaccination.
Also, people who must be vaccinated include representatives of certain professions - employees of children's educational institutions and kindergartens, teachers of higher educational institutions, public transport drivers, and medical workers.
Many people are interested in the question of whether it is possible for a vaccinated person to become infected with influenza. The flu shot is undoubtedly effective, but it does not provide 100% protection against the disease. Vaccination with modern influenza vaccines, prepared from the appropriate strains and used in the correct dose, protects about 80% of healthy children and adults from influenza. Vaccination effectively prevents influenza-related complications or reduces their severity. And vaccination of older people sharply reduces mortality from influenza.
It should also be taken into account that the majority of diseases, after vaccination, are related to other acute respiratory viral infections, acute respiratory infections and other diseases with similar symptoms, for which influenza vaccination does not work. These diseases are not as dangerous as the flu, and are treated mainly symptomatically.
It should be noted that, unlike adverse reactions, the incidence of complications after influenza vaccination is extremely low. Any reactions should be examined by specialists. Usually, all individual manifestations after the procedure go away on their own or are treated with symptomatic means. With proper storage of the drug and proper vaccination, complications are extremely rare. Therefore, the right choice would be to get vaccinated only in a specialized medical facility.
The flu vaccine protects a person from the severe consequences of the flu and reduces the risk of contracting it by almost 2 times. The idea of a vaccine is to stimulate the production of antibodies without causing disease. To do this, instead of a virus that can cause influenza, the body is given a weakened influenza virus or its “corpse” (killed virus). But recently, the “remains” of the influenza virus—its particles—are increasingly being used.
What types of vaccines are there?
Live vaccine
A live vaccine is made from weakened and non-pathogenic influenza viruses. They are injected into the nose, due to which they form increased local immunity.
Such vaccines are quite safe, but among experts there is no clear opinion about such vaccines - many consider their effectiveness to be questionable.
Vaccine names:
- Influenza vaccine allantoic live dry intranasal for adults (Russia)
- Influenza vaccine allantoic live dry intranasal for children 3-14 years old (Russia)
Inactivated vaccines
Inactivated vaccines (killed) come in 3 generations:
1st generation - Whole virion vaccines.
They are made from a whole, but inactivated influenza virus, which can no longer cause illness. They are injected subcutaneously or into the nose. After vaccination, a short-term increase in temperature up to 37.5 degrees and a thickening up to 5 cm in size at the injection site are acceptable. When administered into the nose, there will also be a brief and slight increase in temperature.
Name of vaccines:
- Influenza vaccine inactivated eluate-centrifuge liquid, Russia (administered intramuscularly or subcutaneously)
- Grippovac, Russia (administered subcutaneously and nasally)
- Grifor, Russia (injected into the nose)
2nd generation - Split vaccines (split vaccines).
They look like pieces of the flu virus. They are administered only subcutaneously. From such vaccines, virus particles containing proteins, which primarily cause all adverse reactions, are removed. According to statistics, reactions at the injection site under the skin occur in 1% of children and 2% of adults. There may be an increase in temperature to 38 degrees, but this happens no more often than in one person out of a hundred.
Name of vaccines:
- Vaxigrip, France
- Fluarix, Germany
- Begrivak, Germany
3rd generation - Subunit vaccines.
They consist of surface antigens of the influenza virus, which, in fact, are neutralized factors of aggression. They cause the least number of side effects. Sometimes they say that after them the immune system is weaker. To enhance it, so-called adjuvants are often added - these are structures or substances that contribute to the development of immunity.
Name of vaccines:
These vaccines contain what is called an adjuvant. It strengthens the immune system and promotes the production of antibodies. In Grippol, the immunomodulator polyoxidonium is used for this; in Inflexal V, this role is played by a special shell on which antibodies are fixed, resulting in a particle very similar in shape to the virus itself.
