Plan Details
Vaccine : Inactivated Influenza Vaccine
Route of Administration : Intramuscular Injection
Composition : Contains inactivated(killed) influenza viruses
Doses in Routine Series : 1 dose
Vaccination Schedule:
- Age 9 or above: Receive 1 dose
- Under age 9 (previously vaccinated): Receive 1 dose
- Under age 9 (first vaccination): Receive 2 doses (at least 4 weeks apart)
Precautions for Inactivated influenza vaccines (LAIV):
Eligible groups to receive subsidised seasonal influenza vaccination:
- Children aged 6 months to under 2 years
- Children and adolescents aged 2 years to under 18 years
- Aged 18 to 49 years Persons with chronic illness3/ Persons with physical or intellectual disability
- Pregnant women
- Aged 50 years or above
Persons with egg allergy:
- Generally safe to receive vaccination
- Mild allergy : can get vaccinated in primary care setting
- Severe allergy : Should have vaccination administered by healthcare professionals in appropriate medical facilities with capacity to recognise and manage severe allergic reactions.
- If an individual suffers from fever on the day of vaccination, vaccination should be deferred till recovery.
Possible Side Effects
- Local reactions : Pain, Redness and swelling
- Other symptoms : Fever, Tiredness, Muscle Pain
Side effects of SIV are generally mild and temporary. If you experience persistent fever, severe allergic reactions (e.g. difficulty in breathing, swelling of the lip or tongue, hives,etc.) or other adverse events after receiving SIV, please consult a doctor immediately.
1. What is Seasonal Influenza?
Seasonal influenza is an acute illness of the respiratory tract caused by influenza viruses. It is usually more common in periods from January to March/April and from July to August in Hong Kong.
2. What are the symptoms if I have got seasonal influenza?
For healthy individuals, seasonal influenza is usually self-limiting with recovery in 2 – 7 days. Symptoms may include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, muscle pain, fatigue and headache; some may also have vomiting and diarrhoea. Cough is often severe and prolonged but fever and other symptoms generally resolve in 5 – 7 days. However, influenza can be a serious illness to the weak and frail or elderly people, and may be complicated by bronchitis, chest infection or even death.
3. What should I do if I develop respiratory symptoms?
You should put on a surgical mask if you develop respiratory symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, muscle pain, fatigue and headache; and should have adequate rest, drink plenty of water, refrain from work or attending class at school. You should seek medical advice if symptoms persist or deteriorate so that a diagnosis could be made early. Antibiotics, which target bacterial infection but not viral infection, will not cure influenza or make recovery faster. In addition, antiviral agents may reduce severity and duration of illness but must be used under doctor's prescription.
Source: Centre for Health Protection
