• Fluarix PF Quadrivalent must be given by a healthcare professional.
  
  
• The shot is usually given in the upper arm muscle for adults and older children, or the thigh muscle for young children.
  
  
• The injection site should be cleaned before the shot.
  
  
• After vaccination, it is good to wait for 15 minutes to watch for any immediate side effects.
  
  
• You can continue normal activities right after getting the vaccine.
  
  

Get vaccinated before the flu season starts for best protection.

Fluarix PF Quadrivalent works by helping your immune system recognize and fight the flu virus.

• It contains small, inactive parts of the flu virus.
  
  
• These parts cannot cause the flu but teach your immune system to recognize the real virus.
  
  
• Your immune system makes antibodies after vaccination.
  
  
• These antibodies protect you if you meet the flu virus later.
  
  
• The vaccine covers four flu virus strains (two A and two B types).
  
  
• Usually, it takes about two weeks after the shot to get full protection.
  
  

Most side effects are mild and temporary. They may include:

• Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
  
  
• Muscle aches
  
  
• Headache
  
  
• Mild fever
  
  
• Fatigue
  
  
• Nausea
  
  

Serious allergic reactions are rare but can happen. Symptoms of serious allergic reaction include:

• Difficulty breathing
  
  
• Swelling of the face or throat
  
  
• Rash or hives
  
  
• Rapid heartbeat or dizziness
  
  

If these occur, get emergency medical help immediately.

• Do not get this vaccine if you had a serious allergic reaction to a previous flu vaccine or ingredients.
  
  
• People with severe egg allergies should consult their doctor.
  
  
• If you have a moderate or severe illness, wait until you recover before vaccination.
  
  
• Inform the healthcare provider if you have bleeding problems or take blood thinners.
  
  
• Discuss with your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a weakened immune system.
  
  
• This vaccine is safe for children aged 6 months and older.
  
  

Fluarix PF Quadrivalent may interact with other medicines or vaccines. Important points include:

• Other vaccines: Can be given at the same time as other vaccines but in different injection sites.
  
  
• Blood thinners: People on blood-thinning medicines should inform their doctor because there might be more bleeding or bruising.
  
  
• Immune system medicines: Medicines that weaken the immune system (like steroids or chemotherapy) may reduce the vaccine’s effectiveness.
  
  
• Allergies: Inform your doctor if you have allergies to eggs, previous flu vaccines, or vaccine ingredients.
  
  
• Current illness: If you have a fever or infection, wait to get vaccinated until you recover.
  
  

Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines and supplements you take.

• Children 6 months to 35 months: 0.25 ml per dose, two doses at least 4 weeks apart if first vaccination.
  
  
• Children 3 years and older and adults: 0.5 ml once per flu season.
  
  
• Vaccination should ideally happen before flu season begins.
  
  
• No booster doses are usually needed in the same season.
  
  

Follow your doctor’s advice on vaccination timing and dosage.

• Fluarix PF Quadrivalent is a prescription vaccine.
  
  
• A healthcare professional must prescribe and administer it.
  
  
• Available at clinics, hospitals, and pharmacies.
  
  
• Your doctor will evaluate your health before giving the vaccine.
  
  
• Proof of age or health condition may be required for some programs.
  
  
• Keep your vaccination record safe for future reference.

1. What is Fluarix PF Quadrivalent 2021–2022 used for? It is used to prevent influenza caused by virus strains included in the 2021–2022 flu season.

2. What does “Quadrivalent” mean in Fluarix? It protects against four influenza virus strains: two A and two B types.

3. What is the active ingredient in Fluarix? Inactivated influenza virus antigens.

4. What drug class does Fluarix belong to? Viral vaccines.

5. Is Fluarix a controlled substance? No, it is not classified as a controlled substance.

6. Is Fluarix available in generic form? No, there is no generic equivalent.

7. How is Fluarix administered? As an intramuscular injection.

8. What age group is Fluarix approved for? Approved for individuals aged 6 months and older.

9. How often is Fluarix given? Once annually, before the start of flu season.

10. What are common side effects? Injection site pain, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, and fever.

11. Can Fluarix cause serious reactions? Rarely, it may cause allergic reactions or Guillain-Barré syndrome.

12. Is Fluarix safe during pregnancy? Yes, inactivated flu vaccines are generally considered safe during pregnancy.

13. How should Fluarix be stored? Refrigerate at 2°C to 8°C; do not freeze.

14. Is a prescription required for Fluarix? Yes, it is administered by healthcare professionals.

15. Can Fluarix be used with other vaccines? Yes, but consult a healthcare provider for scheduling.

16. Is Fluarix available in Pakistan? Availability may vary; check with local immunization centers or pharmacies.

17. Is Fluarix part of routine immunization schedules? Yes, it is included in seasonal flu vaccination programs.

18. How effective is Fluarix? Effectiveness varies by season but generally reduces flu-related illness and complications.

19. Who should not receive Fluarix? Those with severe allergic reactions to any component of the vaccine.

20. What does “PF” mean in Fluarix PF? “Preservative-Free,” indicating it does not contain thimerosal.