Influenza Virus Vaccine, Inactivated Dosage

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 13, 2024.

Usual Adult Dose for Influenza Prophylaxis

0.5 mL IM once

Comment:

• Some vaccine formulations are only approved for older adults.

Use: For active immunization against influenza disease caused by influenza virus subtypes A and types B contained in the vaccine

Usual Geriatric Dose for Influenza Prophylaxis

65 years and older:

• Fluad: 0.5 mL IM once
• Fluzone High-Dose Trivalent: 0.5 mL IM once
• Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent: 0.7 mL IM once

Comments:

• Consult the manufacturer product information prior to administration to confirm dosing volume and approved age range for the vaccine formulation used.
• Dosing in trivalent and quadrivalent versions of the Fluad vaccine does not differ.

Use: For active immunization against influenza disease caused by influenza virus subtypes A and types B contained in the vaccine

Usual Pediatric Dose for Influenza Prophylaxis

FLUCELVAX:

• Patients 6 months to less than 9 years: 0.5 mL IM for 1 or 2 doses
• Patients 9 years or older: 0.5 mL IM once

FLULAVAL AND FLUARIX:

• Patients 6 months to less than 9 years:
• NOT previously vaccinated/history unknown: 0.5 mL IM for 2 doses
• Previously vaccinated: 0.5 mL IM for 1 or 2 doses
• Patients 9 years and older: 0.5 mL IM once

AFLURIA:

• Patients 6 months to less than 3 years: 0.25 mL IM for 1 or 2 doses
• Patients 3 years to less than 9 years: 0.5 mL IM for 1 or 2 doses
• Patients 9 years and older: 0.5 mL IM once

FLUZONE:

• Patients 6 months to less than 3 years:
• NOT previously vaccinated/history unknown: 0.25 mL OR 0.5 mL IM for 2 doses
• Previously vaccinated: 0.25 mL OR 0.5 mL IM for 1 or 2 doses
• If administering 2 doses, a combination of any dosing volumes can be used.
• Patients 3 years to less than 9 years:
• NOT previously vaccinated/history unknown: 0.5 mL IM for 2 doses
• Previously vaccinated: 0.5 mL IM for 1 or 2 doses
• Patients 9 years and older: 0.5 mL IM once

Comments:

• If administering 2 doses of vaccine, separate each dose by at least 1 month (4 weeks) apart.
• To determine whether a child requires 1 or 2 doses based on vaccine history, consult the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) annual recommendations on the prevention and control of influenza.
• Some manufacturers recommend that children under 9 years of age who have NOT been previously vaccinated with an influenza vaccine should receive 2 doses.
• The approved age for vaccine administration, dose volume/schedule, and injection delivery system may vary across products; consult the manufacturer product information prior to vaccination.
• Dosing in trivalent and quadrivalent versions of Afluria, Flucelvax, Fluarix, Flulaval, and Fluzone vaccines do not differ.

Use: For active immunization against influenza disease caused by influenza virus subtypes A and types B contained in the vaccine

Renal Dose Adjustments

Data not available

Liver Dose Adjustments

Data not available

Precautions

CONTRAINDICATIONS:

• Administration of this vaccine to anyone with a history of severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) to any component of the vaccine, including egg protein, or to a previous dose of any influenza vaccine

Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients younger than 6 months.

• Flublok and Pharmajet Stratis Needle-Free Injection System: Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients younger than 18 years.
• Fluad, Fluzone High-Dose, and Pharmajet Stratis Needle-Free Injection System: Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients younger than 65 years.

Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.

Dialysis

Data not available

Other Comments

Administration advice:

• For intramuscular injection only.
• The preferred site for intramuscular injection is the deltoid muscle of the upper arm.
• Children with insufficient deltoid mass should be vaccinated in the anterolateral aspect of the thigh.
• If this vaccine is given at the same time as another injectable vaccine, separate injection sites.
• Do not inject this vaccine in the gluteal region or areas where there may be a major nerve trunk.
• Do not administer this product intravenously, intradermally, or subcutaneously.

Storage requirements:

• Store refrigerated between 2C and 8C (36F and 46F).
• Do not freeze; discard if product has been frozen.
• Protect from light.
• Multi-dose vials:
• Between uses, return to recommended storage conditions between 2C and 8C (36 and 46F).
• Discard after 28 days once stopper has been first pierced.
• Needle puncture limits: Consult the manufacturer product information.

Reconstitution/preparation techniques:

• Do not combine through reconstitution or mix with any other vaccine.
• Inspect for particulate matter and/or discoloration; do not administer if either condition exists.
• Shake prefilled syringe or vial well prior to administration.
• Prefilled syringes are for single-use only.

General:

• Vaccine Information Statements (VIS) must be provided to vaccine recipients or their guardians; refer to the US CDC website for materials (www.cdc.gov/vaccines).

Patient advice:

• Read the US FDA-approved patient labeling (Patient Information and VIS).
• Understand that this vaccine contains killed virus and cannot cause influenza
• Recognize that this vaccine only protects against influenza and not other respiratory illnesses.
• Report any adverse events to your health care provider and/or to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS).
• Patients vaccinated while pregnant: A pregnancy registry is available for some formulations.

Frequently asked questions

• How and where is a flu shot injection given?
• What flu vaccine can I use with an egg allergy?
• How well does the flu vaccine work?
• Where can I get the flu vaccine right now?
• How can I get a flu vaccine without a needle?
• Which flu vaccines are available?

See also:

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer