Annual influenza epidemics occur due to constant mutations of the virus. Everyone is familiar with its manifestations: fever with chills, severe headache and muscle pain, malaise. This disease is known for its severity. The use of antiviral drugs does not always prevent complications. The most serious of them: inflammation of the lungs, meninges, and heart muscle. The flu vaccine is included in the Russian National Vaccination Calendar. Sovigripp is administered to everyone in clinics before the onset of seasonal morbidity.
Name of the vaccine, its composition and release form
Sovigripp is an inactivated subunit influenza vaccine. This is a domestic drug that does not contain whole cells of living viruses. When producing the vaccine, purified influenza A and B viruses are grown on chicken embryos of healthy chickens. Then only antigens are isolated from the liquid containing virions. These are surface proteins - hemagglutinin and neuraminidase. One dose of the drug is 0.5 ml. Sovigrippa contains:
- Hemagglutinin of influenza virus subtype A H1N1 (California type) and H2N2.
- Hemagglutinin of influenza virus subtype B.
- Thiomersal is a storage preservative.
- Sovidon is an adjuvant substance to stimulate and improve the immune response.
The drug is produced in ampoules or disposable syringes of 0.5 ml. Externally, it is a colorless or yellowish solution used for intramuscular administration.
Due to constant mutations of the virus, the antigens in the vaccine change every year. This is in accordance with the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the influenza vaccine commissions.
Characteristics of the vaccine (pharmacological action)
The influenza virus shell contains two types of specific proteins - antigens. These are hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N). Outwardly, they look like “spikes”. Antigens H and N are foreign to the human immune system. In response to their introduction, intoxication occurs.
When a vaccine is administered, the immune system reacts to antigens by forming protective proteins - antibodies. Their formation is completed by the second week after vaccination. They constantly circulate in the blood for about 6-12 months. When infected with a real virus, antibodies are ready to resist it. And Sovidon, which is part of the drug, helps strengthen the protective response and prolong its effect.
Indications for vaccine administration
Sovigripp is used to prevent seasonal influenza in people over 18 years of age. The vaccine is used in the following groups:
- Representatives of professions with a high risk of infection are workers in the medical, transport, social and educational sectors, and military personnel.
In patients:
- with chronic heart diseases: heart defects, hypertension, heart failure;
- with chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, bronchiectasis;
- with chronic pyelonephritis, renal failure;
- with diabetes mellitus and its complications;
- with congenital immunodeficiencies, HIV-infected;
- persons who often suffer from colds;
- elderly, over 60 years old.
Susceptibility to influenza is high. Vaccination remains relevant every year, despite the active fight against the virus and existing antiviral drugs.
Important! Before getting vaccinated, be sure to consult your doctor.
Method of administration of the vaccine and dose
Before use, the solution with the drug is kept at room temperature (20-25 degrees Celsius). Be sure to shake well before use. Administer the vaccine taking into account all sterility rules. The solution of the drug Sovigripp is injected intramuscularly into the upper third of the outer surface of the shoulder (in the area of the deltoid muscle). Vaccination should be carried out once a year in a dose of 0.5 ml.
Doctor's advice! After administration of the drug, it is advisable not to leave the territory of the medical institution for at least 30 minutes, this will help avoid side effects.
Contraindications for administering the vaccine
There are conditions when Sovigripp is contraindicated. This is due to individual reactions to vaccine components or concomitant diseases. The vaccine is not used when there is:
- Acute infectious processes or exacerbation of chronic infections. In this case, vaccination is carried out after 2-4 weeks.
- Intolerance to any component of the drug.
- Allergy to chicken protein.
- Severe reactions to a previous vaccine.
- Children under 18 years old.
If there are contraindications to the administration of Sovigrippa, the doctor may recommend using another anti-influenza vaccine. There are drugs that differ in their components.
Side effects of the vaccine
There were no complications after vaccination. Sovigripp is a highly purified drug and is well tolerated. Reactions at the injection site rarely develop: redness, swelling, hardening, pain in the puncture area. There are common reactions in the form of a flu-like state:
- temperature rise to 38 degrees Celsius;
- not a severe headache;
- sore throat;
- general weakness;
- malaise.
These reactions go away on their own within 1-2 days. They don't require much concern. Thus, the immune system is activated and protective antibodies are acquired.
Application of the vaccine
Vaccination against influenza is included in the preventive vaccination calendar in Russia. It is needed for people whose complications of influenza lead to serious consequences, or whose risk of getting sick is higher than for other people. Used in adults over 18 years of age. Sovigripp is contraindicated for children. Research is being conducted on the safety of use in persons under 18 years of age. The drug does not have a negative effect on the fetus, therefore it is used in pregnant women. The most optimal period for use is after 12 weeks. You can get vaccinated while breastfeeding. The decision to vaccinate pregnant women should be agreed with a doctor. Only he assesses the possible risks for the mother and child.
Pros and cons
Seasonal susceptibility to influenza is very high. Some groups of people experience serious complications from the flu. This is inflammation:
- heart muscle;
- lungs;
- ear, paranasal sinuses;
- membranes of the brain.
It's better to prevent flu. The Sovigripp vaccine prevents the development of influenza in 80-90%. The Sovigripp vaccination creates immunity only to subtypes A (H1N1 and H2N2) and B. If this is a different variant of the virus or another cold, then the likelihood of contracting it remains high.
special instructions
Vaccination is carried out 3-4 weeks before the disease season. In our country it is October-November. MonoGrippol cannot be administered intravenously. On the day of vaccination, be sure to undergo a doctor's examination and have your temperature taken. If the temperature exceeds 37 degrees Celsius, it is better to postpone vaccination for a while. The drug does not affect the reaction rate and the ability to drive.
Interaction with other drugs for immunoprophylaxis
It is possible to administer the vaccine with other means of immunoprophylaxis: non-live vaccines (but not with rabies). In this case, you need to take into account the contraindications prescribed for each vaccination. Be sure to inject into different parts of the body with separate syringes.
Vaccine storage conditions
According to sanitary and epidemiological rules for storing Sovigripp vaccines, they are stored in special refrigerators at a temperature of plus 2 to 8 degrees. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight. Transportation is carried out at temperatures from plus 2 to 8 degrees. Avoid freezing. After dissolving the drug, use within 2 hours. The shelf life is 12 months, provided all rules are followed.
Vaccine analogues
There are similar drugs on the vaccination market. They differ in composition, mechanism of action, and manufacturer. The drug is selected taking into account all indications and contraindications. Not all flu vaccines are created equal.
|
A drug |
Manufacturer |
Vaccine type |
|
Vaxigrip |
France (Sanofi Pasteur) |
Inactivated |
|
Influvac |
Netherlands (Abbott Products) |
|
|
Grippovac |
Russia (St. Petersburg NIIVS) |
Inactivated, centrifugal |
|
Russia (Microgen) |
Inactivated |
|
|
Begrivak |
Germany (Novartis) |
Inactivated |
|
Agrippal S1 |
Italy (Novartis) |
Inactivated, subunit |
|
Inflexal V |
Switzerland |
Inactivated, virosomal |
Indications for the administration of one or another vaccine differ. But the end result is the same - the formation of specific immunity against influenza. It is worth remembering that influenza vaccines do not prevent the development of acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI) and other colds other than influenza.
Every year, with the onset of cold weather, the incidence of influenza increases. From time to time, epidemics of this dangerous disease are recorded throughout the world, which is terrible not only because of the severity of its course, but also because of complications that can lead to death. The abundance of antiviral drugs does not always save everyone due to individual characteristics and mutation of viruses. Vaccination, which has many supporters and opponents who give their own examples of the benefits and harms of vaccinations, can protect against this disease.
4 years ago, domestic pharmacology released a new anti-influenza vaccine that can compete with the best overseas analogues - Sovigripp vaccine for children. It is recognized all over the world, it is vigorously used to vaccinate residents in medical institutions of our country, and free of charge. Anyone who intends to protect themselves and their loved ones from this insidious disease is concerned about the effectiveness and safety of the drug, how much it can be trusted, and whether children can be vaccinated with Sovigripp.
Vaccine characteristics
The Sovigripp vaccine is produced by a Russian manufacturer, the Microgen company, which specializes in the production of immunization drugs. In the production of this product, exclusively domestic components are used; the entire manufacturing process takes place at Russian enterprises.
The drug forms specific anti-influenza protection. The structure of the drug includes elements of the outer shells of viruses of various types. The annual change in the structure of the drug is due to the types of influenza that are predicted for the current season. The most common viruses are types A and B, but they are constantly subject to mutation, which is why the composition of the vaccine is regularly refined to maintain its effectiveness.
The Sovigripp flu vaccine for children is distinguished from similar drugs by the fact that it uses Sovidon as a modifier to increase protective abilities, not Polyoxidonium, which is used in other vaccines. Its polymeric essence guarantees its main healing properties:
- destruction of toxic substances;
- creation of protection;
- antioxidant signs and characteristics;
- protection of the cell membrane.
Some modifications to the form of the product may include a conglomerate containing ethyl mercury, which is used as a preservative for large bottles intended for repeated use. This preservative helps to avoid bacterial or fungal infection. This additive is not contained in disposable bottles of the drug. Therefore, the question of whether it is possible to vaccinate small children with co-influenza can be resolved positively.
Vaccine structure
The medication is a specially prepared concentrated colorless solution intended for intramuscular infusion. The Sovigripp vaccine is supplied to medical institutions in the form of ordinary ampoules or syringes containing a single dose of the drug. Syringes are equipped with a cap to protect against infection. Ampoules are usually packaged 5 or 10 pieces per box.
The instructions contain information that the medication can protect against infection with influenza type A, including H1N1 and H3N2, and type B - the most dangerous varieties circulating in the world recently. These include modifications such as the so-called swine flu, which often cause severe consequences.
In the production of Sovi flu vaccine for children, no preservatives are used, which is why it does not cause an allergic reaction and is non-toxic for children. During clinical trials, the drug was found to be non-toxic for people capable of developing antiviral immunity.
The effect of the medicine lasts no more than a year, because it includes inactivated viruses. This differs from vaccinations using live vaccines, which create immunity for several years (smallpox). However, live drugs can cause complications: intolerance, allergic reactions, high fever.
Vaccination rules
An intramuscular injection is made in the area of the upper third of the shoulder, a single dosage is 0.5 ml. Immunization is carried out annually before the start of the autumn-winter season, in advance of the outbreak of a mass epidemic. The effect of the drug after administration lasts about 8 months. Therefore, September can be considered the optimal time for using the vaccine, and then the body will be protected from the disease throughout the entire autumn, winter and spring season until stable heat sets in, when the risk of infection is reduced to a minimum. Flu immunization will help many people avoid becoming victims of dangerous complications.
It must be taken into account that after using the product, complete immunity occurs after 2 weeks, which is why it is necessary that the possibility of infection during these days be minimal. If cases of influenza appear early, you should still get vaccinated. On the eve of vaccination, you should not have contact with those already infected, and hypothermia is also undesirable. After immunization, it is recommended to follow the same recommendations. At the injection site itself, hygiene procedures using water are not limited. You should not combine vaccination with alcohol: alcohol reduces the production of antibodies, weakens the immune system and can expose the body to a cold. It is advisable to abstain from alcohol for at least 3 days.
Immunization should be carried out observing all possible safety measures: it is necessary to check the expiration dates, the integrity of the packaging, and not to violate the rules of disinfection. Medicines for anti-shock therapy should be available in the premises. Before the injection, it is necessary to consult a general practitioner and measure the temperature. If the thermometer shows above 37 degrees, then immunization should not be carried out. It is strictly forbidden to store opened vials and syringes. You should not use the medicine in packaging with qualitative changes: with an unusual color or cloudiness, unclear markings, expired. Intravenous administration is not allowed.
Indications for use
For the purpose of effective annual immune prophylaxis, children, starting from the age of six months, can receive medication without preservatives, adolescents and adults - without age restrictions. The drug with preservatives is used only from 18 years of age. Mostly vaccination is recommended:
- elderly people, starting from 60 years old;
- at frequent risk of respiratory viral diseases;
- people with chronic somatic illnesses, including diabetes and HIV;
- those whose professional activities may frequently come into contact with sources of infection (medics, social and trade workers, managers, teachers, drivers, etc.);
- police and military.
It is not inevitable to vaccinate children, but you should still not neglect protection against a very insidious disease that is fraught with serious complications. Parents have to make a choice about whether or not to vaccinate their baby. It is necessary to take into account the living conditions and health characteristics of the child. A strong, seasoned and rarely ill child living in a remote rural area, where the risk of infection is minimal, can do without immunization; the child’s body itself will be able to cope with the disease.
A child who attends a kindergarten or school in a city, often among large crowds of people, runs a much greater risk of becoming infected. In addition, city dwellers have lower immunity due to unhealthy eating habits and environmental problems. That is why Sovigripp is recommended for use in children from 6 months, especially those who are at risk. It is especially effective to apply the vaccination procedure before the onset of a large-scale disease epidemic.
Contraindications
The drug Sovigripp has restrictions on its use. It is contraindicated for those who:
- an allergy to chicken egg whites or other components included in the structure of the medicine has been diagnosed;
- there have previously been severe consequences to other antiviral vaccinations;
- the presence of an aggravated chronic disease;
- currently sick with a cold;
- Children under 18 years of age should not be given a vaccine containing a preservative.
Immunization can be done 2 weeks after treatment. The admissibility of vaccination is determined personally by the doctor. In the process of clinical studies conducted by the manufacturer itself, no adverse effects on the fetus were identified when the product without a preservative was administered to pregnant women. Therefore, the drug is allowed to be used after 3 months of pregnancy if the benefits outweigh the potential harm to health. However, the final conclusion on the admissibility of vaccination can be made by the attending physician, taking into account all the personal characteristics of the well-being of the woman and the unborn child. Doctors must also take into account the current level of infection danger in the specified area and the intensity of the epidemic.
Sovigripp vaccine for children instructions for use recommends use only after 18 years of age. Although after the drug was developed without a preservative, it was allowed to be used by infants starting from 6 months. For children under 3 years of age, the drug is administered intramuscularly into the anterior outer femoral part of the body. Before immunization, consultation and permission from a pediatrician is required with mandatory temperature measurement. The vaccination can be carried out in parallel with other revaccinations, but in different parts of the body and using different syringes. The exception is the tetanus vaccine.
To date, no serious complications have been identified from using the drug. The safety of the product has been confirmed in clinical trials, and its reliability is proven by the fact that it is approved for young children and pregnant women. However, approximately 10% of vaccinated people experience local adverse reactions:
- swelling and redness at the injection site;
- painful sensation when pressing on this place;
- slightly elevated temperature;
- headache;
- rhinitis and sore throat;
- general lethargy and weakness;
- increased sensitivity;
- Nettle fever and rash occur sporadically.
The effectiveness of the Sovigripp vaccination is about 90%. It is included in the vaccination diary and is therefore provided in clinics free of charge. The formation of immunity occurs after 14 days and lasts approximately 8 months. The optimal time for vaccination is the autumn season, but it is permissible to use the medicine even with the onset of an epidemic. Priority patients for immunization should be those at risk. With the advent of the drug without preservatives, vaccination is allowed for children from the age of six months. Minor complications after vaccination were recorded only once. If all conditions are met, the drug gives a good effect.
Ksenia is a regular expert on the PupsFull portal. She writes articles about pregnancy and the health of mother and child.
Articles written
Earns reviews from doctors and patients. This drug is extremely important for modern man. After all, it is he who helps fight viral infections, epidemics of which are so common. True, before administering an injection, you really need to find out what doctors and patients think about this. Maybe it’s better to use old vaccines altogether? Or pay attention to a new one? Let's look into this issue.
Description
Let's start with the fact that Sovigripp (vaccine) has been receiving reviews since its description. That is, as soon as patients find out what it is, they write their opinions about the medication. This is not entirely correct. But the fact remains a fact.
The thing is that Sovigripp is a kind of new Russian flu vaccine. A certain concentrated solution in ampoules that contains killed and weakened influenza bacteria of various types. To be honest, there is nothing special about it. Only “Sovigripp” (vaccine) does not receive the best reviews from consumers simply because it is domestic. The modern population is skeptical about Russian vaccines. Especially new ones. This is exactly what our today’s drug is.
Indications
Of course, it is impossible to do without special indications for use. And this flu vaccine "Sovigripp", reviews of which will be presented to our attention a little later, has a number of both recommendations and contraindications. You need to pay close attention to them. After all, virus injections and vaccinations are no joke.
"Sovigripp" - which is recommended for administration to the entire adult population who want to increase their immunity and protect themselves from various types of influenza. Suitable for use by people over 18 years of age. As the manufacturers assure, even during pregnancy and lactation (the most vulnerable categories of citizens, by the way), you can be vaccinated with the drug. “Sovigripp” (vaccine), which receives mixed reviews, is highly recommended for those who have a weakened immune system and are also at risk of serious complications after an illness. Sometimes this remedy is also used during routine flu vaccinations in schools. But it applies exclusively to senior schoolchildren (grades 8-11).
Contraindications
We must also not forget about contraindications. It’s not enough to want to protect yourself from viral diseases and flu. You also need to have an idea of when injections should not be given. Otherwise, you can simply harm your own health. reviews and the effectiveness of which are presented to our attention, this is not just some kind of injection. A really serious injection. And for this reason, contraindications should not be overlooked.
The Sovigripp flu vaccine, reviews of which are of interest to many patients, is not recommended for use by people with hypersensitivity, as well as those who are generally intolerant to any vaccinations. Such cases are rare, but they do occur. Also, in case of viral diseases, elevated temperature and any ailment, Sovigripp is prohibited. Small children and primary schoolchildren should also not receive this injection. If you are prone to allergic reactions (including to protein), you can also forget about the domestic method of protection against ARVI and influenza.
The restrictions don't end there. Strong post-vaccination reactions of the body and chronic diseases in the patient are also reasons for refusing vaccination with the drug. Thus, we can conclude that the medication has more than enough contraindications. There is no need to be alarmed - similar restrictions apply to most vaccines. After all, a person should receive a weakened or killed virus when the body is in excellent condition. Otherwise, there is a risk not of developing immunity, but of disease.
Doctors' opinion
An important point is what doctors think about the domestic vaccine. It is not in vain that before any vaccination it is advisable to consult a specialist. The vaccine "Sovigripp" earns, oddly enough, very good reviews from doctors.
Many claim that this Russian-made product helps fight influenza and its viruses faster than others. In addition, doctors say that the risk of complications in this case is reduced to almost zero. Allegedly, almost all patients tolerate the injection calmly and without consequences.
Plus, sometimes this drug is prescribed to children. This means there is every reason to trust the vaccine. A pediatrician will never prescribe a drug that can harm a child. Yes, doctors also emphasize that for maximum effect it is necessary to give Sovigrip injections annually. But this is a necessary measure, and it applies to all flu vaccinations. So there is nothing to be afraid of.
Patients say
But the opinions of patients do not always coincide with the words of doctors. This is how the population is structured, that lately there has not been much trust in domestic medicine. And therefore, Sovigripp (vaccine) does not earn the best reviews from patients.
For example, the main reason for this is the manufacturer. He's Russian. And this fact is already making people doubt the effectiveness and safety of vaccination. It’s no secret that in Russia, despite the country’s development, testing of medical drugs is not particularly effective. And therefore the risk of complications after injections remains high. But all this is carefully hidden. After all, doctors’ main task is to promote domestic medicine.
In addition, patients indeed repeatedly emphasize that after the vaccine their general health deteriorates sharply for several days. All this is attributed to the side effects of the drug. Only these cases occur extremely often. And this does not make the population happy. Sometimes after vaccination you can feel really sick. This is exactly what people who have already tried Sovigripp say.
Results
What conclusion can be drawn from all this? "Sovigripp" (vaccine) receives dubious and ambiguous reviews. The opinions of doctors and patients were divided. And here everyone has the right to decide who to believe more. In principle, if you do not suffer from viral diseases and are not afraid of new drugs, then our current option is quite suitable for an injection.
"Sovigripp" (vaccine), the instructions, reviews, recommendations and contraindications of which were presented to our attention, is a domestic product, first of all. There is no need to be afraid of him. Yes, it is not worth experimenting if you suffer from side effects. And children also do not need to be given such injections until this drug is considered a “new word” in medicine. Otherwise, there are no visible reasons for concern.
It is very difficult to protect your child from the flu because the virus is highly contagious. In kindergarten and school, in transport and a store, on the street, in a sports section during a period of mass morbidity, a child may well become infected with the flu. There is only one specific prevention measure - vaccination. In this article we will talk about the features of the Sovigripp vaccine, which has long established itself as an excellent tool for preventing influenza in children.
Calculate your vaccination schedule
Why should you do it?
Flu is considered one of the most dangerous illnesses for children, the elderly, pregnant women and those suffering from chronic diseases. The fact is that the immune system of an adult has enough strength and ability to cope with the virus that caused the disease without significant “losses.”
The natural defense of the child’s body is weak and imperfect, it has yet to become stronger. Therefore, it is not even the virus itself that causes influenza that is considered dangerous, but the possible complications that can develop after the acute stage of the disease.
They do not develop as rarely as it seems, and can significantly worsen the baby’s quality of life, and even lead to death. Among the most severe complications are meningitis, pneumonia, myocarditis, and damage to the central nervous system. Often an acute viral illness ends in the development of sinusitis, otitis, bronchitis and other diseases that become possible due to the addition of a secondary bacterial or other infection.
During periods of mass morbidity, large-scale preventive measures are recommended, which include limiting attendance at crowded meetings, especially indoors, wearing gauze bandages (the virus is transmitted by airborne droplets), saturating the child’s diet with vitamins and protein foods. But the only current method of prevention is vaccination.
It is very important to understand that getting a child vaccinated does not guarantee that influenza infection will not occur. But the likelihood of infection even through contact with a patient will be significantly lower, and the disease itself, if it happens, will proceed faster and easier, the risks of complications after the flu will be reduced to minimal levels.
The purpose of vaccination is to create a small supply of antibodies to the virus in the child’s body. This supply will be temporary and not permanent, but it will help the immune system cope with the disease if infection does occur. Russian doctors use two types of vaccines for vaccinations. A live vaccine contains a certain amount of live virus particles - this amount is not enough to cause disease, but it is quite enough to activate the immune system, which will begin to produce specific antibodies.
Inactivated vaccines contain virus particles that have been rendered harmless in a laboratory. Since live vaccines are the most reactogenic, inactivated influenza vaccines are prescribed for use in children and other members of the risk group. “Sovigripp” belongs to just such a group.
About the vaccine
“Sovigripp” is a domestic inactivated flu vaccine, the composition of which varies depending on the recommendations of the World Health Organization and the Russian Ministry of Health. The fact is that the influenza virus is constantly mutating, so every year it is necessary to make adjustments to the composition of vaccines, supplementing them or replacing one component with another.
In the basic version, the vaccine contains surface proteins - glycoproteins of the virus, which in the laboratory genetic engineers isolate from previously neutralized and purified particles of the pathogen: viruses type A and B. Before this, chicken embryos are infected with these viruses in order to obtain a virus-containing liquid as a raw material.
"Sovigripp" can be produced in two forms: with the addition of the preservative thiomersal and without it. The second option is considered optimal for children and women expecting the birth of a child. For adult patients, the use of both types of product (both with and without a preservative) is allowed.
Sovigripp is administered exclusively intramuscularly and is available in an appropriate injection solution; the vaccine does not exist in other forms. The drug is purchased annually centrally under the state program and supplied to medical institutions, from where it is distributed to schools, kindergartens, and children's clinics of the district subordination.
Each of both types of “Sovigrippa” contains in one dose protein particles that form immunity to such types of influenza as A (H1N1) in the amount of 5 mcg, subtype A (H3N2) in the same amount and proteins of the influenza virus type B in the amount of 11 mcg. This composition helps protect the child from the most dangerous subtypes and strains that most often cause severe consequences: swine flu and Hong Kong flu.
The liquid in single-use bottles is usually colorless or has a slight yellowish tint, which is fully acceptable by the manufacturer.
Indications and contraindications
Influenza vaccination is not mandatory in Russia, but is strongly recommended for all children over six months of age. During the first six months of life, the child is protected by innate “maternal” immunity. But as early as six months, babies become very susceptible to the viral threat.
Childhood, therefore, is considered an important indication for the use of Sovigrippa, but parents must decide whether to vaccinate their child or not. Therefore, mothers of schoolchildren and kindergarteners fill out informed consent for vaccination or write a refusal. Parents of children under 3 years of age will be offered such consent at the children's clinic at their place of residence.
Parents of children from the so-called risk group should pay special attention to the risk of contracting influenza and the need to participate in vaccination. This includes children who are often ill, children who have any chronic illnesses, children who have already suffered from influenza or ARVI with subsequent complications, as well as those who often visit crowded places (kindergarten and school).
The instructions for use of the drug also indicate some contraindications to the use of Sovigrippa:
- You cannot use a product with a preservative if the child is underage;
- the child should not be allergic to chicken protein;
- It is prohibited to vaccinate children under six months of age;
If at the time of vaccination a child has signs of any disease: runny nose, cough, headache, exacerbation of a chronic disease, then administration of the drug may worsen his condition.
If during the previous administration in the last epidemic season the child had a pronounced reaction to the vaccine: fever above 40.0 degrees, development of swelling in the area where the vaccine was administered, convulsions, then the manufacturers also do not recommend using the drug. Such a child can be given another vaccine, for example, Grippol, but the reaction should still be closely monitored by medical professionals. If the negative experience is repeated, you will have to temporarily refuse to vaccinate your baby.
Parents can always ask a pediatrician for a description of the drug and tips for use or read the official instructions on their own.
Advantages of the drug for children's use
Sovigripp provides a high degree of protection, which has been proven in clinical trials. This is partly due to a special component that enhances the degree of the immune response. This component is called “Sovidon”. Other flu vaccines usually add “Polyoxidonium” as such an “enhancer”.
Due to the carefully thought-out composition of the vaccination liquid, it is possible to achieve a long period of protection - after vaccination, specific immunity lasts from 6 to 9 months. This is quite enough to protect a child from a dangerous disease throughout the entire epidemiological season. Therefore, vaccination in August-October will help provide protection almost until next summer.
The advantage of the drug for children is the absence of a preservative, and therefore vaccination is less likely than other anti-influenza vaccines to cause a negative reaction in the child’s body.
Parents who doubt the safety of the drug should remember that the same vaccine is administered to pregnant women, because clinical trials have shown the absence of a teratogenic or other effect of the composition on the fetus developing in the womb.
How to vaccinate?
Instructions for use of the drug describe the rules by which vaccination should be carried out. They are agreed upon and approved by the Russian Ministry of Health. Here are the key rules for using Sovigrippa to protect children.
- A vaccination campaign should be carried out every year in the fall and winter, preferably before cases of infection appear.
- Vaccinations cannot be ruled out at the start of the epidemiological season, when the first cases indicating an increase in morbidity are already occurring.
- The vaccine is given in the arm - in the upper part of the outer surface of the shoulder (in the area of the anatomical location of the deltoid muscle).
- For children aged 3 years and older, a single dose of 0.5 ml is sufficient.
- Children from six months to 3 years old need to be vaccinated twice per season - 0.25 ml of the drug is administered the first time, and the same amount exactly a month later. Unlike older children, children are not vaccinated in the arm; it is allowed to be administered intramuscularly to the anterior outer part of the thigh.
The ampoule with the drug can only be opened under sterile conditions and in compliance with all hygienic requirements. After the injection, the remains of the drug cannot be stored; they must be disposed of immediately.
Before vaccinating a child with Sovigripp, a medical professional must make sure that the vaccine is not expired, that the integrity of the packaging is not compromised, and that the color and transparency of the drug inside the ampoule correspond to the standards stated by the manufacturers.
Vaccination rooms in a clinic, school or kindergarten must be equipped with anti-shock therapy. Doctors should observe the child for at least half an hour after vaccination. Administering the drug intravenously, drip-wise, or in any other way is strictly prohibited.
On the day of vaccination, the child must be examined by a pediatrician or paramedic - measure body temperature, examine the condition of the throat and nasal passages, and skin.
After vaccination, the injection site can be wetted, but on the first day it is not recommended to walk with the child, as well as engage in physical education and sports. A gentle regime during the day will help the child’s immune system to more gently adapt to the new operating mode.
At home, parents also need to monitor their child. If you notice an increase in temperature, skin reactions or other symptoms of deterioration, you should definitely contact your doctor.
Side effects and reactions
Sovigripp is a highly purified drug, and therefore the drug is usually well tolerated. But clinical trials conducted on this drug still revealed the possibility of negative reactions. Therefore, after vaccination, it is sometimes possible for a child to experience the following symptoms of a post-vaccination reaction:
- more often- redness and thickening at the injection site, slight swelling of the skin, increased body temperature above 37.0 degrees, mild nasal congestion, headaches, pain when swallowing, malaise, lethargy, drowsiness;
- often– joint pain, muscle pain, dizziness;
- rarely- anaphylactic shock, rashes and other allergic reactions.
Parents should not worry too much about most side effects - most of them go away on their own within 1-2 days and do not require any special treatment. With other vaccines, if the timing of other vaccinations is suitable, the drug is completely compatible. The only exceptions are rabies vaccines.
If a child receives two vaccinations on the same day, the side effects of several drugs at once must be taken into account, and the drugs must be administered with different syringes into different parts of the body.
Doctor Komarovsky's opinion
According to the famous pediatrician and TV presenter Evgeniy Komarovsky, parents should not neglect the flu vaccine. But with age, he calls for more caution - to vaccinate not from six months of age, but from one year of age. Until this time, the best protection for the child will be breastfeeding and family members vaccinated with Sovigripp or another means.
The pediatrician recommends vaccinating older children in advance. It takes 3 to 5 weeks to form stable immunity.
Autumn has arrived, and winter will come after it with eternal colds and flu, so the question of how to avoid getting sick is relevant again. But if nothing can be done about ordinary seasonal viruses, then you can try to protect yourself from the flu, for example, through vaccination. And here two questions arise: how effective are flu vaccines and which one is better to get vaccinated?
Despite the fact that many people are quite skeptical about flu vaccinations, the number of vaccinated people is growing every year, and if in 1998 about 6.5 million Russians were vaccinated against the flu, then 20 years later a record number of residents of our country were vaccinated - 70 .8 million (almost 50% of the population)! However, all this time we were vaccinated only with three-component vaccines, while in other countries, seven years ago, new generation vaccines consisting of four components appeared. In 2019, two such drugs - Grippol® Quadrivalent and Ultrix® Quadri - will appear in the domestic market. And although they plan to vaccinate risk groups first (pregnant women, doctors, students, conscripts, as well as people with chronic diseases), this is great news for everyone, because such vaccines are more effective because they protect against two strains of the influenza A virus and from both lines of type B virus.
Mutations and Variations
There are three known types of influenza virus that are dangerous to humans:
- type A (Alphainfluenzavirus) - most susceptible to mutations and is a constant headache for the World Health Organization (WHO);
- type B (Betainfluenzavirus) - more stable, but can still change;
- type C (Gammainfluenzavirus) is the most stable, so long-term immunity is developed to it. It does not cause epidemic outbreaks and most often leads to a mild illness in children.
If all types of influenza virus were similar to type C, there would be no big problems with them. However, type A is constantly mutating, so quite often new variations (strains) appear that our immune system is not yet familiar with. Because of this variability, the classification of influenza viruses is quite complex: within each type there are subtypes (in the case of type B, lines) into which virus strains are combined. Moreover, strains of subtypes can be either related (that is, evolutionarily not far removed from each other) or dissimilar.
Sometimes the differences between subtype strains have quite serious consequences: for example, in February 2019, the circulation of two such genetically heterogeneous “relatives” - the H3N2 strains - caused a delay in the WHO decision on the composition of the vaccine for the 2019-2020 season. Experts needed a full month of additional monitoring to decide which strain to recommend for the vaccine. As a result, this delay will affect the later delivery of some vaccines (mainly for older people over 65 years of age), which will not reach the markets until November 2019.
The main role in the evolution of influenza viruses (Fig. 1) is played by antigenic drift (antigenic drift) And antigenic shift (antigenic shift). As a result of antigenic drift, a gradual change in the properties of the virus occurs due to mutations in the viral genome and natural selection of the most “successful” variants that can easily infect animals and humans. An antigenic shift is associated with reassortment and represents the “birth” of a new viral particle from two different strains (viruses that infect various farm animals often take part in this process). Reassortment is very similar to how two parents “make” children: when two different virus virions enter the same cell and begin to reproduce, they can exchange parts of their genome. The result will be a new variation of the virus, which may differ significantly from its ancestors. Most likely, all influenza pandemics, including the Spanish flu, were caused by viral reassortment. Importantly, influenza B virus is characterized by only antigenic drift, and this makes it less problematic from the point of view of vaccine development.
When is the best time to get vaccinated?
The flu vaccine is an annual shot* that protects against the three or four most common strains of the virus in your area. This means that every year, based on WHO recommendations and the regional situation, national influenza control committees make recommendations on the antigenic composition of the future vaccine. However, most often these recommendations coincide with WHO recommendations, which are published separately for the northern and southern hemispheres.
The composition of influenza vaccines is changing all the time: for example, in the 2019–2020 season, both strains of the type A virus were replaced, and as a result, the four-component vaccine included:
A/Brisbane/02/2018(H1N1);
A/Kansas/14/2017(H3N2);
B/Colorado/06/2017(line B/Victoria/2/87);
B/Phuket/3073/2013(line B/Yamagata/16/88).
Accordingly, it is recommended to include the first three strains of the virus in a three-component vaccine. However, it also happens that every year the name of one of the strains is repeated in the vaccines. Does this mean that they constantly vaccinate the same thing? No, even in this case, strains can differ significantly, including in genes not included in the classification.
How long does immunity last after vaccination and does it have a prolonged effect for the next year?
Unfortunately, the effectiveness of flu shots is short-lived. It depends on the time elapsed since vaccination and the strain of the virus: on average, protection is thought to decline by about 7% per month for H3N2 and lineage B strains and by 6–11% for H1N1. Of course, the speed and extent of the decline may vary, but effective protection is likely to last for a year.
In this regard, the question arises: “When is the best time to get vaccinated?”
The optimal period is calculated based on the beginning of the rise in influenza incidence (usually in January-February), the rate of decline in post-vaccination immunity and the time required to develop protection after vaccination (two weeks). And, although the vaccination campaign begins in September, it is better to get vaccinated in the middle or even the end of October. However, you shouldn’t delay too much either - in this case, the chances of catching the flu at the very beginning of the epidemic season increase.
How are strains chosen and why are four better than three?
To describe the process of selecting strains for a vaccine in a nutshell, it would be a game of “guess the strain” (which, however, is very different from “point your finger at the sky”). The process of “guessing” is quite complex and requires a well-functioning global influenza surveillance system under the auspices of WHO - Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System(GISRS). It includes more than 100 National Influenza Centers (NICs) located in different countries.
Throughout the year, NICs analyze circulating virus strains based on laboratory tests from patients with respiratory diseases, isolate influenza virus samples from the general population, and select suitable candidates for further study at one of five WHO CCs. The selection is based on the typicality of the virus for a given region and its novelty, which is determined by its reaction with antibodies from the WHO kit. Further work is carried out at WHO centers, where strains are cultivated, analyzed, compared with each other, maps of antigenicity are drawn up, mathematical models are built, and ultimately, based on all this data, candidates for the vaccine are selected.
Finally, WHO Seasonal Meetings on influenza vaccine formulations are held twice a year ( Seasonal influenza vaccine composition meeting), at which recommendations for the next season are announced: in February - for the northern hemisphere, in September - for the southern hemisphere. Once the formulations are made public and manufacturers receive the vaccine strains, the production process begins, which takes about six months (see video). However, errors in planning could delay the entire cycle, affecting the quantity of vaccine produced or the timing of its delivery.
Why is a four-component vaccine better than a three-component vaccine if there are many more circulating strains? It's all about the B lineage, the viruses of which usually circulate together, but in different proportions, so in the case of vaccines consisting of three components, the B lineage strain is always a compromise option. WHO experts have to choose the better of two evils, but since it is impossible to accurately predict the situation that will be observed in eight months, errors periodically occur that affect the effectiveness of the vaccine. For example, in the 2017–2018 season it turned out to be lower than expected, since the WHO made a mistake with the type B virus strain, suggesting that the line would dominate Victoria, but it turned out - Yamagata. In addition, low vaccine effectiveness against the H3N2 strain has been observed for several years now. The exact reason is unknown, but there are several assumptions:
- Strain adaptation during production can lead to some changes (antigenic mismatch), and immunity develops to a new strain that differs from the circulating one.
- Circulating strains of the H3N2 subtype change faster than others - it takes them six months (that is, the time that has passed since the announcement of WHO recommendations) to change and become less similar to the vaccine strain.
- The standard dose contained in the vaccine may not be sufficient to provide effective protection.
What should the ideal vaccine be?
Influenza vaccines are either live (intranasal vaccines, rarely used) or inactivated. Modern inactivated ones are divided into several categories:
- Whole virion vaccines(“Microflu”), which includes an inactivated, undestroyed (whole) virus virion (Fig. 2 A). Despite the fact that these vaccines are the most effective, they are practically not used due to their higher reactogenicity.
- Split or split vaccines(“Vaxigrip”), which do not include the whole virus, but its particles - external and internal type-specific proteins (Fig. 2 b).
- Subunit vaccines(“Influvac”) consist only of surface antigens - hemagglutinin and neuraminidase (Fig. 2 V). These also include subunit adjuvant vaccines (“Sovigripp”, “Grippol Plus”), which contain an adjuvant.
- Virosomal vaccines(“Inflexal® V”) are new generation inactivated vaccines that are created on the basis of subunit or split vaccines. They differ in that, in addition to surface antigens, they include membrane protein and lipids of the influenza virus. These components form virosomes, structures that mimic the virus virion. Such vaccines are considered more effective than split or subunit vaccines, and they are not inferior to them in safety.
All of the above vaccines are seasonal influenza vaccines. In a separate group there are pre-pandemic and pandemic vaccines. They are produced in case of a pandemic threat. Pre-pandemic (zoonotic) consist of a strain of an emerging virus of animal origin, which, according to experts, has pandemic potential, pandemic - from the strain that caused the pandemic (such vaccines appear on a wave of disease).
However, choosing strains for the composition is only half the battle. The main thing is that the vaccine is effective. There are certain criteria for this.
Firstly, over the past 20 years, many studies have been conducted on various influenza vaccines, and their results have led to a certain “standard”, which must correspond to the amount of hemagglutinin of each strain (hereinafter referred to as antigen) - 15 mcg per vaccine dose. However, the WHO notes that “ Based on clinical experience, some countries may reduce the number of antigens» .
Secondly, there are requirements for antibody titers after vaccination (including for vaccines with adjuvants), which are listed in Table 1.
As for Sovigrippa, another domestic adjuvant subunit vaccine with a reduced antigen content, the claims against it are the same as for Grippol Plus: 5 mcg of antigen instead of 15 and the adjuvant sovidon, for which there are no credible studies. And although Sovigripp also meets WHO criteria for immunogenicity, providing high levels of seroconversion (at least 82% to the H1N1 strain; 78.5% to H3N2; 74.7% to B/Brisbane/33/2008) and seroprotection (77.2%, 70.9% and 74.7%, respectively), the lack of large comparative studies with foreign vaccines does not eliminate questions about its effectiveness and safety.
The agony of choice
There is nothing to be done: Russian vaccines (including the much-advertised Ultrix) have weaknesses, and in order to remove suspicion of ineffectiveness from them, it is necessary to conduct large clinical studies that will compare the levels of seroconversion, seroprotection and the incidence of influenza among vaccinated people (or at least “flu-like diseases”), and not ARVI. To be fair, it is worth saying that Grippol Plus has similar studies (although they are small, and according to their results it turns out that it has “similar effectiveness” to imported drugs). As an example, I chose probably the largest study, which involved 300 adult volunteers. The polymer-subunit vaccine "Grippol Plus", the subunit vaccine "Ifluvac" and the split vaccine "Vaxigrip" were compared (Table 2).
Table 2. Comparison of the effectiveness of the vaccines “Grippol Plus”, “Influvac” and “Vaxigrip” in vaccinated people on the 28th day after vaccination (season 2014–2015).