Influvac Sub-unit 2009/2010, suspension for injection (influenza vaccine, surface antigen, inactivated).

Influenza virus surface antigens (haemagglutinin and neuraminidase) of the following strains*:

per 0.5 ml dose.

* propagated in fertilised hens' eggs from healthy chicken flocks.

** haemagglutinin.

This vaccine complies with the WHO recommendation (northern hemisphere), and EU decision for the 2009/2010 season.

For a full list of excipients see section 6.1.

Suspension for injection in prefilled syringes; a colourless clear liquid, filled in single-dose syringes (glass, type I).

Prophylaxis of influenza, especially in those who run an increased risk of associated complications.

The use of Influvac Sub-unit 2009/2010 should be based on official recommendations.

Adults and children from 36 months: 0.5 ml.

Children from 6 months to 35 months: Clinical data are limited. Dosages of 0.25 ml or 0.5 ml have been used.

For children who have not previously been vaccinated, a second dose should be given after an interval of at least 4 weeks.

Immunisation should be carried out by intramuscular or deep Subcutaneous injection.

For instructions for preparation, see section 6.6.

Hypersensitivity to the active substances, to any of the excipients and to residues of eggs, chicken protein (Influvac Sub-unit 2009/2010 does not contain more than 1 µg ovalbumin per dose), formaldehyde, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, polysorbate 80, or gentamicin.

Immunisation shall be postponed in patients with febrile illness or acute infection.

As with all injectable vaccines, appropriate medical treatment and supervision should always be readily available in case of an anaphylactic event following the administration of the vaccine.

Influvac Sub-unit 2009/2010 should under no circumstances be administered intravascularly.

Antibody response in patients with endogenous or iatrogenic immunosuppression may be insufficient.

Influvac Sub-unit 2009/2010 may be given at the same time as other vaccines. Immunisation should be carried out on separate limbs. It should be noted that the adverse reactions may be intensified.

The immunological response may be diminished if the patient is undergoing immunosuppressant treatment.

Following influenza vaccination, false positive results in serology tests using the ELISA method to detect antibodies against HIV1, Hepatitis C and especially HTLV1 have been observed. The Western Blot technique disproves the false-positive ELISA test results. The transient false-positive reactions could be due to the IgM response by the vaccine.

The limited data from vaccinations in pregnant women do not indicate that adverse fetal and maternal outcomes were attributable to the vaccine. The use of this vaccine may be considered from the second trimester of pregnancy. For pregnant women with medical conditions that increase their risk of complications from influenza, administration of the vaccine is recommended, irrespective of their stage of pregnancy.

Influvac Sub-unit 2009/2010 may be used during lactation.

Influvac Sub-unit 2009/2010 is unlikely to produce an effect on the ability to drive and use machines.

ADVERSE REACTIONS OBSERVED FROM CLINICAL TRIALS

The safety of trivalent inactivated influenza vaccines is assessed in open label, uncontrolled clinical trials performed as annual update requirement, including at least 50 adults aged 18 - 60 years of age and at least 50 elderly aged 61 years or older. Safety evaluation is performed during the first 3 days following vaccination.

The following undesirable effects have been observed during clinical trials with the following frequencies:

very common (1/10); common (1/100, <1/10); uncommon (1/1,000, <1/100); rare (1/10,000, <1/1,000); very rare (<1/10,000), including isolated reports.

* these reactions usually disappear within 1-2 days without treatment

ADVERSE REACTIONS REPORTED FROM POST-MARKETING SURVEILLANCE

Adverse reactions reported from post marketing surveillance are, next to the reactions which have also been observed during the clinical trials, the following:

Blood and lymphatic system disorders:

Transient thrombocytopenia, transient lymphadenopathy

Immune system disorders:

Allergic reactions, in rare cases leading to shock, angioedema

Nervous system disorders:

Neuralgia, paraesthesia, febril convulsions, neurological disorders, such as encephalomyelitis, neuritis and Guillain Barré syndrome

Vascular disorders:

Vasculitis associated in very rare cases with transient renal involvement

Skin and Subcutaneous tissue disorders:

Generalised skin reactions including pruritus, urticaria or non-specific rash

Overdosage is unlikely to have any untoward effect.

Pharmacotherapeutic group: Influenza vaccine, ATC Code: J07BB02.

Seroprotection is generally obtained within 2 to 3 weeks. The duration of post-vaccinal immunity to homologuous strains or to strains closely related to the vaccine strains varies but is usually 6-12 months.

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

Potassium chloride, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, disodium phosphate dihydrate, sodium chloride, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride hexahydrate and water for injections.

In the absence of compatability studies, this medicinal product must not be mixed with other medicinal products.

1 year.

Influvac Sub-unit 2009/2010 should be stored in a refrigerator (+2°C to +8°C).

Do not freeze.

Protect from light.

0.5 ml suspension for injection in prefilled syringe with/without needle (glass, type I), pack of 1 or 10.

Unused vaccine and other waste material should be disposed of in compliance with local rules for the disposal of products of this nature.

Influvac Sub-unit 2009/2010 should be allowed to reach room temperature before use.

Shake before use.

For administration of a 0.25 ml dose from a syringe, push the front side of the plunger exactly to the edge of the hub (the knurled polypropylene ring); a reproducible volume of vaccine remains in the syringe, suitable for administration. See also section 4.2.

Solvay Healthcare Limited

Mansbridge Road

West End

Southampton

SO18 3JD

PL 00512/0156

February 1998 / December 2007

02/09/2009