Influenza Vaccine: Uses, Side Effects & Brands in Pakistan
Influenza Vaccine is a seasonal flu vaccine. It is a prescription medicine used for prevention of seasonal influenza. In Pakistan it is available as injections, made by 4 different manufacturers. On this page you can read how it works, its common side effects and precautions, and compare the brands and prices available at Medimart.
How Influenza Vaccine works
Injected flu vaccines contain inactivated virus or purified viral proteins from the strains expected to circulate that season, so they cannot give you flu. They prompt the immune system to make antibodies, so if you later meet the virus your body can recognise and fight it faster. Protection develops over about two weeks.
What is Influenza Vaccine used for?
- Prevention of seasonal influenza
Influenza Vaccine is used to lower the risk of catching seasonal flu and of developing serious complications such as pneumonia. A new vaccine is recommended each year, ideally before the flu season, especially for adults over 65, pregnant women, young children, healthcare workers and people with long-term conditions such as diabetes, asthma, or heart, lung or kidney disease. It does not protect against the common cold or COVID-19.
Side effects of Influenza Vaccine
After Influenza Vaccine, mild reactions are common and usually settle in a day or two. They include:
- Soreness, redness or swelling where the injection was given
- Mild fever
- Muscle aches
- Tiredness
- Headache
Get emergency help straight away if you have difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or feel faint shortly after vaccination. Rarely, weakness or tingling in the legs in the weeks afterwards should also be checked by a doctor.
Precautions and warnings
- Tell the vaccinator if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction to a previous flu vaccine or to any vaccine ingredient, including egg protein in some brands.
- If you have a high fever on the day, the vaccine is usually postponed; a mild cold is not normally a reason to delay.
- It is recommended during pregnancy, as it helps protect both mother and baby in the first months of life.
- Let the vaccinator know if you have a bleeding disorder, take blood thinners or have a weakened immune system.
- Because flu strains change, a new vaccine is needed each season. It must be stored in a refrigerator and given by a healthcare professional.
Frequently asked questions about Influenza Vaccine
What is the price of Influenza Vaccine in Pakistan?
At Medimart, Influenza Vaccine products currently in stock range from Rs 1,238 to Rs 1,440 per pack, depending on the brand, strength and pack size. The lowest-priced option right now is Fluarix Inj 1pfsx0.5ml Injection at Rs 1,238. Prices are updated regularly, so the product list on this page always shows the latest price.Which brands of Influenza Vaccine are available in Pakistan?
Influenza Vaccine is sold in Pakistan under brand names such as Fluarix (Glaxo Smithkline Ltd), Influvac (Abbott Laboratories (Pakistan) Ltd), Quimi-hib (Macter International Ltd) and Agrippal (Novartis Pharma (Pakistan)ltd).Do I need a prescription for Influenza Vaccine?
Yes. Influenza Vaccine is a prescription medicine in Pakistan. Use it only when a doctor has prescribed it, at the dose and for the time they advise.
Can Influenza Vaccine be used during pregnancy?
It is recommended during pregnancy, as it helps protect both mother and baby in the first months of life.
Are all Influenza Vaccine brands the same?
Brands that contain the same amount of Influenza Vaccine in the same form are expected to work in the same way, although inactive ingredients, pack sizes and prices differ. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching from one brand to another.
Influenza Vaccine brands and prices in Pakistan
Medimart lists 5 products containing Influenza Vaccine from different manufacturers. Compare strengths, pack sizes and prices below and order online with cash on delivery.
