fluarix tetra 2021/2022 nh vaccine - Inactivated influenza vaccine (NA) medicine

Influenza Injection: Complete Guide to Uses, Side Effects, and Safety

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🏭 Glaxo SmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd 📦 Varies by brand 💊 Allopathy 📅 Updated: Sep 23, 2026
🤰 Pregnancy Category This vaccine is recommended for pregnant women during any trimester. It is safe and protects both the mother and the newborn. The concept of FDA pregnancy categories has been replaced by more modern evidence-based recommendations. 📋 Prescription Required 💊 Generic Available
Medically Reviewed
11 min read
Evidence: High
Reviewed by
SaathiMed Expert Panel | Sep 23, 2026

When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY

  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath after vaccination.
  • Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Rapid heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting.
  • High fever that does not subside within 48 hours.
  • Severe pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site that worsens.
  • Weakness, tingling, or paralysis in the legs or arms.
  • Signs of a severe allergic reaction such as hives or rash all over the body.

If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.

What is fluarix tetra 2021/2022 nh vaccine used for?

This medicine is an inactivated influenza vaccine given by injection to prevent seasonal flu. It works by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies against influenza viruses. It is recommended annually for most people above 6 months of age, especially high-risk groups.

  • Generic Name: Inactivated influenza vaccine (NA)
  • Manufacturer: Glaxo SmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd
  • Form: Allopathy
  • Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
  • Prescription Required: Yes

🇮🇳 fluarix tetra 2021/2022 nh vaccine के बारे में (Hindi Summary)

उपयोग: यह दवा इन्फ्लूएंजा (फ्लू) से बचाव के लिए दी जाने वाली टीका है। यह इंजेक्शन के रूप में दी जाती है और शरीर की प्रतिरक्षा प्रणाली को फ्लू वायरस से लड़ने के लिए तैयार करती है। यह टीका हर साल लगवानी चाहिए, खासकर बच्चों, बुजुर्गों, गर्भवती महिलाओं और पुरानी बीमारियों वाले लोगों के लिए। यह फ्लू से होने वाली गंभीर जटिलताओं जैसे निमोनिया और अस्पताल में भर्ती होने के खतरे को कम करती है।

साइड इफेक्ट्स: इस टीके के बाद आमतौर पर हल्के दुष्प्रभाव होते हैं जैसे इंजेक्शन वाली जगह पर दर्द, सूजन या लालिमा, हल्का बुखार, सिरदर्द, मांसपेशियों में दर्द और थकान। ये लक्षण आमतौर पर एक से दो दिन में ठीक हो जाते हैं। गंभीर एलर्जी प्रतिक्रिया बहुत कम होती है, लेकिन अगर सांस लेने में तकलीफ, चेहरे या गले में सूजन, तेज धड़कन या चक्कर आएं तो तुरंत डॉक्टर से मिलें।

सुरक्षा सलाह: यह टीका डॉक्टर या प्रशिक्षित स्वास्थ्यकर्मी द्वारा लगाया जाता है। अगर आपको पहले किसी टीके या अंडे से गंभीर एलर्जी हुई है तो डॉक्टर को बताएं। अगर आपको खून पतला करने वाली दवा चल रही है या रक्तस्राव विकार है तो सावधानी बरतें। गर्भवती महिलाओं के लिए यह टीका सुरक्षित और लाभकारी है। बुखार या तीव्र बीमारी के दौरान टीका न लगवाएं। टीके के बाद 15 मिनट तक क्लिनिक में रुकें। इंजेक्शन वाली जगह को रगड़ें नहीं।

💡 Did You Know? India has the highest number of USFDA-compliant plants outside the USA.

💊 fluarix tetra 2021/2022 nh vaccine Uses & Benefits

  • [{"condition":"Seasonal influenza prevention","description":"This medicine is used to prevent influenza A and B virus infections.
  • It reduces the risk of flu illness, hospitalisation, and death, especially in high-risk groups.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Prevention of influenza-related complications","description":"Vaccination lowers the chance of developing pneumonia, bronchitis, and worsening of chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, and heart disease.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Reduction of influenza transmission","description":"By preventing infection, this medicine helps reduce the spread of influenza in the community, protecting those who cannot be vaccinated.","evidence":"Well-established"}]

Off-label uses: []

Primary treatment for: Influenza

Also treats: Pneumonia, Bronchitis, Asthma exacerbation, COPD exacerbation, Heart failure exacerbation

📋 Drug Information

Generic Name(s)Inactivated influenza vaccine (NA)
Brand Namefluarix tetra 2021/2022 nh vaccine
ManufacturerGlaxo SmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd
Packaging / FormVaries by brand (Allopathy)
Therapeutic ClassVACCINES
Action ClassKilled vaccine
Route of AdministrationParenteral (intramuscular injection)
StorageStore in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C. Do not freeze. Keep away from light. Do not use if the vaccine has been frozen.
Shelf LifeRefer to the expiry date on the packaging. Typically 12 to 24 months from the date of manufacture when stored properly.
WHO GuidelineThe World Health Organization recommends annual influenza vaccination for high-risk groups, including pregnant women, children aged 6-59 months, elderly individuals, and those with chronic medical conditions. Healthcare workers should also be vaccinated.
ICMR GuidelineThe Indian Council of Medical Research recommends influenza vaccination for high-risk groups in India, including pregnant women, young children, elderly, and individuals with chronic diseases. Annual vaccination is advised before the monsoon season.

👨‍⚕️ Doctor's Practical Tips

Evidence-based practical advice from experienced clinicians

1
Get vaccinated early in the season, ideally before the end of October, as it takes about two weeks to develop protection.
2
Inform your doctor about any allergies, especially to eggs or previous vaccines, before receiving this medicine.
3
If you are on blood thinners, tell your doctor so that a fine needle can be used and pressure applied to reduce bleeding.
4
Stay at the clinic for 15 minutes after vaccination to monitor for any immediate allergic reaction.
5
Annual vaccination is necessary because influenza viruses change each year and immunity decreases over time.
6
Even if you are healthy, vaccination helps protect those around you who may be more vulnerable.
7
Do not receive this vaccine if you have a fever or acute illness; wait until you recover.

🔍 Is This Medicine Right for Your Symptom?

Educational reference. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis.

Fever, cough, sore throat, body aches
This medicine is used to prevent these influenza symptoms.
Likely Use
Common cold
This medicine does not protect against cold viruses.
Not Primary
COVID-19
This medicine does not protect against COVID-19.
Not Primary

🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)

Pharmacokinetics

AbsorptionNot applicable. This medicine is an injectable vaccine and does not undergo absorption like oral medicines. The antigen is deposited in the muscle tissue and taken up by immune cells.
DistributionNot applicable. The vaccine antigens remain largely at the injection site and in nearby lymph nodes, where the immune response is initiated.
Protein BindingNot established from the available information.
MetabolismNot applicable. The vaccine antigens are broken down by the body's normal protein degradation processes after immune recognition.
Half-LifeNot established from the available information.
ExcretionNot applicable. The vaccine components are metabolised and cleared by normal cellular processes.
BioavailabilityNot applicable. This medicine is given by injection, so it is directly available to the immune system.
Onset of ActionImmune response begins within a few days, but protective antibody levels usually develop about two weeks after vaccination.
Peak Plasma TimeNot applicable. The vaccine does not produce measurable plasma levels of active drug. Antibody titres peak around four to six weeks after vaccination.
Duration of ActionProtection lasts for at least one influenza season, typically six to twelve months. Annual vaccination is recommended because influenza strains change and immunity wanes over time.

How It Works

This medicine contains inactivated influenza virus strains. After injection, the immune system recognises the viral proteins as foreign and produces antibodies against them. These antibodies, mainly against haemagglutinin and neuraminidase surface proteins, neutralise the virus if the person is later exposed to similar influenza strains. The vaccine also stimulates memory B cells and T cells, providing longer-term protection. Because the virus is inactivated, it cannot cause influenza.

Mechanism Steps

1
Antigen recognition: Inactivated influenza virus proteins are recognised as foreign by antigen-presenting cells at the injection site.
2
Immune activation: Antigen-presenting cells process and present viral antigens to T helper cells, which then activate B cells.
3
Antibody production: B cells produce specific antibodies against haemagglutinin and neuraminidase proteins of the influenza virus.
4
Memory formation: Some B cells and T cells become memory cells, providing faster and stronger response on future exposure.
5
Protection: If the person is later infected with a matching influenza strain, antibodies neutralise the virus and prevent illness.

💡 How to Take fluarix tetra 2021/2022 nh vaccine

Strength: Injection: 0.5 mL single-dose prefilled syringe or vial. Each dose contains inactivated influenza virus strains (NA).

1This medicine is given by a healthcare professional as an intramuscular injection.
2The injection is usually given in the upper arm (deltoid muscle).
3You will be asked to sit or lie down for the injection.
4Stay at the clinic for 15 minutes after the injection to monitor for any allergic reaction.
5Do not rub or massage the injection site.
6You can resume normal activities immediately after vaccination.

Dosage Information

Adult DosageFor adults, a single 0.5 mL dose is given intramuscularly, preferably in the deltoid muscle. The dose is the same for all adults regardless of age. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on indication, age, weight, renal and hepatic function. Annual vaccination is recommended before the influenza season.
Pediatric DosageFor children aged 6 months to 8 years, the dose is 0.25 mL or 0.5 mL depending on the product, given intramuscularly. Children receiving influenza vaccine for the first time may need two doses given at least four weeks apart. For children 9 years and older, a single 0.5 mL dose is given. Pediatric dosing is not established from available information for infants under 6 months. Consult a pediatrician.
Elderly DosageThe dose for elderly patients is the same as for younger adults: a single 0.5 mL intramuscular injection. However, the immune response may be lower, so high-dose or adjuvanted formulations may be recommended for those above 65 years. Consult your doctor.
Renal ImpairmentNo dose adjustment is required for patients with renal impairment.
Hepatic ImpairmentNo dose adjustment is required for patients with hepatic impairment.
Maximum Daily DoseNot applicable. This medicine is given as a single dose, not daily.

Dosage Timeline

🌅 Morning ❌ ☀️ Afternoon ❌ 🌆 Evening ❌ 🌙 Night ❌

⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose

📌 You miss your annual influenza vaccination
→ Get vaccinated as soon as possible.
💡 It is better late than never; vaccination can still provide protection for the rest of the season.
📌 You miss the second dose of a two-dose schedule for a child
→ Consult your pediatrician for the appropriate timing.
💡 The second dose should be given at least four weeks after the first.

⚠️ Side Effects of fluarix tetra 2021/2022 nh vaccine

✅ Common Side Effects

Injection site pain, redness, or swelling (Common (up to 50%))
Apply a cool compress if needed. It usually resolves within one to two days.
Low-grade fever (Common (5-10%))
Drink plenty of fluids and rest. Consult a doctor if fever is high or lasts more than two days.
Headache (Common (10-20%))
Rest and stay hydrated. Over-the-counter pain relief may be used if needed, but consult your doctor first.
Muscle aches (Common (10-20%))
Gentle stretching and rest can help. Consult a doctor if severe.
Tiredness (Common (10-15%))
Get adequate rest. It usually subsides within a day or two.

🚨 Serious Side Effects

Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) (Rare (<0.01%))
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience difficulty breathing, swelling of face or throat, rapid heartbeat, or dizziness.
Guillain-Barré syndrome (Very rare (<0.001%))
Seek immediate medical attention if you notice weakness, tingling, or paralysis starting in the legs.
Shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (Rare)
Report persistent shoulder pain or limited movement to your doctor.

⚠️ Rare Side Effects

Vasovagal syncope (fainting)
Lie down with legs elevated. Seek medical attention if it persists.
Transient thrombocytopenia
Report unusual bruising or bleeding to your doctor.

Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.

🔬 Drug Interactions

Drug Severity Effect
Immunosuppressants Major
Influenza antivirals Major
Warfarin Moderate
Phenytoin Moderate
Theophylline Minor

🚨 Major Interactions

  • Immunosuppressive therapy (e.g., high-dose corticosteroids, chemotherapy, radiation)
  • Antiviral drugs active against influenza (e.g., oseltamivir, zanamivir)

⚡ Moderate Interactions

  • Warfarin and other anticoagulants
  • Phenytoin

🍷 Alcohol Interaction

There is no known direct interaction between this medicine and alcohol. However, alcohol may weaken the immune system and could reduce the vaccine's effectiveness. It is advisable to avoid excessive alcohol consumption around the time of vaccination.

🔎 Check Your Other Medicines

Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.

🛡️ Safety & Warnings

🚫 Contraindications

["Severe allergic reaction to any component of the vaccine, including egg proteins.","Severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of any influenza vaccine.","Acute febrile illness (vaccination should be postponed until recovery).","History of Guillain-Barré syndrome within 6 weeks of a previous influenza vaccination (relative contraindication)."]

⚠️ Warnings & Precautions

["Inform your doctor if you have a bleeding disorder or are on anticoagulants.","Inform your doctor if you are immunocompromised; the vaccine may be less effective.","Fainting can occur after any injection; sit or lie down for 15 minutes after vaccination.","This vaccine does not protect against other respiratory viruses.","Annual vaccination is needed because influenza strains change."]

🤱 Lactation Safety

This medicine is considered safe during breastfeeding. It does not pass into breast milk in a way that harms the infant. Vaccination of the mother can provide some protection to the baby through antibodies in breast milk.

💊 Overdose Management

Overdose is unlikely as this medicine is given as a single dose by a healthcare professional. If a double dose is accidentally given, monitor the patient for any adverse reactions and provide supportive care. There is no specific antidote.

⏰ Missed Dose

This vaccine is given as a single annual dose. If you miss your scheduled vaccination, get it as soon as possible. If you are receiving a two-dose schedule (for children under 9 years), and the second dose is missed, consult your doctor for the appropriate timing.

Additional Safety Advice

General Safety

This medicine is given by a trained healthcare professional. Inform your doctor if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction to any vaccine or to egg proteins. Tell your doctor if you have a bleeding disorder or are taking blood-thinning medicines, as the injection may cause bleeding. If you are pregnant, this vaccine is considered safe and is recommended to protect both you and your baby. If you have a fever or acute illness, vaccination should be postponed until you recover. After vaccination, stay at the clinic for at least 15 minutes so that any allergic reaction can be managed promptly. Do not massage or scratch the injection site. Report any severe reaction immediately.

👴 Special Considerations for Elderly

💡 For Patients Above 65

Elderly individuals are at higher risk of severe influenza complications. The standard dose is the same, but high-dose or adjuvanted formulations may be recommended for better immune response. Annual vaccination is strongly advised.

🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)

If you are planning pregnancy, you can receive this vaccine at any time. It is safe and recommended during pregnancy to protect both mother and baby. There is no need to delay pregnancy after vaccination.

🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations

This vaccine can be given after surgery once the patient is stable and afebrile. It is safe and does not interfere with surgical recovery. Consult your surgeon if you have concerns.

🦷 Dental Procedures

There are no specific considerations for dental procedures. You can undergo dental work after vaccination. Inform your dentist about any recent vaccinations.

💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results

🏃
Maintain a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables to support your immune system.
🥗
Exercise regularly to boost overall health and immunity.
😴
Get adequate sleep to help your body respond better to vaccination.
💧
Practice good hand hygiene to reduce the risk of infections.
🧘
Avoid close contact with people who are sick during flu season.
🌞
Stay hydrated throughout the day.

🏋️ Exercise Considerations

You can resume normal exercise after vaccination. If you experience fever or muscle aches, rest for a day or two. Avoid strenuous activity if you feel unwell.

🥗 Diet Recommendations

Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables.
Include foods rich in vitamin C and zinc to support immunity.
Stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
Avoid excessive alcohol, which can weaken your immune response.

💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life

This medicine has minimal impact on daily activities. You can drive and operate machinery after vaccination. Some people may feel tired or have mild fever, so it is advisable to take it easy for a day if needed.

🛑 When to Stop This Medicine

This medicine is given as a single dose; there is no need to stop it. If you experience a severe allergic reaction, do not receive further doses without consulting an allergist.

📅 Long-Term Use Effects

Long-term use is not applicable as this medicine is given as a single annual dose. There are no known long-term adverse effects from repeated annual influenza vaccination. It is safe and recommended for yearly use. Monitoring is not required beyond the immediate post-vaccination period.

🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches

These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.

Live attenuated influenza vaccine (nasal spray)

An alternative for healthy individuals aged 2-49 years, given as a nasal spray instead of injection.

Evidence: Well-established
Hand hygiene and mask wearing

Can reduce the risk of influenza but is not a substitute for vaccination.

Evidence: Well-established

💉 Vaccination Considerations

💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated

This medicine can be given at the same time as other vaccines, but at different injection sites. It is safe to receive with COVID-19 vaccines. Inform your doctor about all vaccines you have recently received.

📦 Storage Guide

✅ DO

Store in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C

❌ DON'T

Do not freeze the vaccine

✅ DO

Keep in the original packaging

❌ DON'T

Do not expose to direct sunlight

✅ DO

Check the expiry date before use

❌ DON'T

Do not use if the vaccine has been frozen or looks discoloured

✈️ Traveling with This Medicine

When travelling, carry your vaccination record or a prescription copy. This vaccine is given by a healthcare professional, so you do not need to carry the vaccine itself. If you are due for vaccination during travel, you can receive it at a clinic abroad. Store the record in a cool, dry place. Check if the destination country requires proof of influenza vaccination, though it is rarely mandatory. Plan vaccination at least two weeks before travel for optimal protection.

💰 Cost Analysis & Savings

👥 Real Patient Stories

Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.

👤 A 68-year-old man with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
He had a history of severe flu complications and was hesitant about vaccination. After discussing with his doctor, he received the influenza injection. That year, he did not get the flu and avoided hospitalisation. He now gets vaccinated every year.
💡 Lesson: For high-risk individuals, annual influenza vaccination can be life-saving and prevent severe complications.
👤 A 32-year-old pregnant woman in her second trimester
She was concerned about vaccine safety during pregnancy. Her doctor explained that the influenza injection is safe and protects both mother and baby. She received the vaccine and had only mild soreness at the injection site. Her baby was born healthy and had some protection against flu in the first few months.
💡 Lesson: Influenza vaccination during pregnancy is safe and provides protection to both the mother and the newborn.
👤 A 45-year-old healthcare worker
He initially skipped vaccination due to a busy schedule. He contracted influenza and passed it to his elderly parents, one of whom developed pneumonia. Since then, he ensures he and his family get vaccinated every year.
💡 Lesson: Vaccination not only protects you but also prevents spreading influenza to vulnerable individuals.

💬 Questions Patients Often Ask

Q: How long does it take for the influenza injection to work?

A: It takes about two weeks after vaccination for the body to develop protective antibodies.

Q: Can I get the flu from the influenza injection?

A: No, the vaccine contains inactivated virus, so it cannot cause influenza.

Q: Is the influenza injection safe during pregnancy?

A: Yes, it is safe and recommended during any trimester of pregnancy.

Q: How often do I need the influenza injection?

A: You need it once every year because influenza viruses change and immunity decreases over time.

Q: What are the common side effects?

A: Common side effects include soreness at the injection site, mild fever, headache, and muscle aches, which usually resolve in one to two days.

🤔 Common Patient Concerns

💭 These are the concerns patients most commonly raise

  • Can I get the influenza injection if I have a cold?
  • Is the influenza injection safe for people with egg allergy?
  • How effective is the influenza injection?
  • Can I get the influenza injection at the same time as other vaccines?
  • Does the influenza injection cause any long-term side effects?
  • Is the influenza injection safe for immunocompromised patients?

🔄 Substitutes for fluarix tetra 2021/2022 nh vaccine

View All

Alternative brands with exact same active ingredient:

Medical Note: Always consult your doctor before switching medications.

🛑 Myths vs. Facts

  • Myth: The influenza injection can give you the flu.
    Fact: This medicine contains inactivated virus, so it cannot cause influenza. Mild side effects like soreness or low-grade fever are not the flu.
  • Myth: You only need the influenza injection once in your life.
    Fact: Annual vaccination is needed because influenza viruses change and immunity decreases over time.
  • Myth: The influenza injection is not safe during pregnancy.
    Fact: This vaccine is safe and recommended during pregnancy to protect both mother and baby.
  • Myth: The influenza injection causes autism.
    Fact: There is no scientific evidence linking influenza vaccination to autism.

🔄 Alternative Options

Brand Alternatives

  • Influenza Vaccine (Serum Institute of India Ltd)
  • Influenza Vaccine (Other manufacturers)

📊 Comparison with Similar Medicines

[{"medicine":"Influenza injection","type":"Inactivated vaccine","route":"Intramuscular","frequency":"Annual","protection":"Influenza A and B"},{"medicine":"Live attenuated influenza vaccine","type":"Live attenuated vaccine","route":"Intranasal","frequency":"Annual","protection":"Influenza A and B"}]

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