FLUVIRIN^®, suspension for injection in pre-filled syringe. [Influenza Vaccine (Surface Antigen, Inactivated)]

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

A/California/07/2009 (H1N1) – derived strain used NYMC X-181

15 micrograms HA**

A/Perth/16/2009 (H3N2) – like strain used NYMC X-187 derived from A/Victoria/210/2009

15 micrograms HA**

B/Brisbane/60/2008

15 micrograms HA**

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 2011/2012 season.

For a full list of excipients see section 6.1.

Suspension for injection in pre-filled syringe.

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

The use of FLUVIRIN^® should be based on official recommendations.

Adults and children from 4 years: 0.5 ml.

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, e.g. eggs, chicken proteins, such as ovalbumin. The vaccine may contain residues of the following substances, e.g. betapropriolactone, nonoxynol 9, neomycin, polymixin and formaldehyde.

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 a rare anaphylactic event following the administration of the vaccine.

FLUVIRIN^® should under no circumstances be administered intravascularly.

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

Thiomersal (an organomercuric compound) has been used in the manufacturing process of this medicinal product and residues of it are present in the final product. Therefore, sensitisation reactions may occur. The maximum thiomersal content in FLUVIRIN^® is 0.002mg (0.0004% w/v).

FLUVIRIN^® 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 foetal 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.

FLUVIRIN^® may be used during lactation.

The vaccine 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 (1/1000, <1/100); rare (1/10000, <1/1000); very rare (<1/10000), 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

This medicinal product contains thiomersal (an organomercuric compound) as a residue from the manufacturing process and therefore it is possible that sensitisation reactions may occur (see section 4.4.).

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 postvaccinal immunity to homologous strains or to strains closely related to the vaccine strains varies but is usually 6-12 months.

Not applicable

Not applicable

Buffer solution:

Potassium dihydrogen phosphate

Disodium hydrogen phosphate

Sodium chloride

Water for injection.

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

1 year.

Store at +2°C to +8°C (in a refrigerator). Do not freeze. Keep container in the original carton.

0.5 ml in pre-filled syringe (glass, type I) with stopper (rubber), fitted with a stainless steel needle, pack sizes of 1 and 10 syringes.

Not all pack sizes may be marketed.

The vaccine should be allowed to reach room temperature before use.

Shake before use.

Any unused product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.

Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics Limited

Gaskill Road

Speke

Liverpool

L24 9GR

UK.

PL 18532/0038.

Date of first authorisation: 7 June 2006

May 2011