- INFLUENZA VACCINE (IAP)
Routine vaccination:ΔMinimum age: 6 months for trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (TIV)
Recommended only for the vaccination of persons with certain high-risk conditions. - ΔFirst time vaccination: 6 months to below 9 years: Two doses 1 month apart; 9 years and above: Single dose Annual revaccination with single dose.
- Dosage (TIV) : Aged 6–35 months 0.25 ml; 3 years and above: 0.5 ml
ΔFor children Aged 6 months through 8 years: For the 2012–13 season,
administer 2 doses (separated by at least 4 weeks) to children who are
receiving influenza vaccine for the first time - All the currently available TIVs in the country contain the ‘Swine flu’ or ‘A(H1N1)’ antigen; no need to vaccinate separately.
- Best time to vaccinate:
ΔAs soon as the new vaccine is released and available in the market
ΔJust before the onset of rainy season.
Dr. Jayaprakash
Superintendent, ICH.
Institute of Child Health.
Gov. Medical College Kottayam.
Kerala, India.