Flucelvax is a flu vaccine manufactured by Seqirus, a pharmaceutical company headquartered in the United Kingdom. First approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2012, Flucelvax offers an alternative to pre-existing flu vaccines containing antibiotics and preservatives and which are manufactured using chicken egg protein.
Is Flucelvax a Trivalent or Quadrivalent Flu Vaccine?
There are both trivalent and quadrivalent versions of Flucelvax. The trivalent form, which protects against two type A strains and one type B strain of the flu virus, is known simply as Flucelvax. The FDA approved the quadrivalent form of the vaccine, Flucelvax Quadrivalent, in 2016.
Who Can Be Immunized with Flucelvax?
While trivalent Flucelvax has only been approved for use with adult patients over age 18, Flucelvax Quadrivalent is approved for use in persons four years of age and older. However, due to the fact that Flucelvax Quadrivalent is so new, data on the vaccine’s effectiveness among children and adolescents are not yet available.
How is Flucelvax Administered?
Both Flucelvax and Flucelvax Quadrivalent are administered by intramuscular injection. For Flucelvax Quadrivalent, the FDA recommends either one or two doses for children between the ages of four and eight, and a single dose for all patients nine years of age and older. According to the FDA’s recommendations, children receiving two doses of Flucelvax Quadrivalent should receive their injections at least four weeks apart.
How Do I Know if My Child Needs One or Two Injections?
Whether your child under the age of nine needs one or two doses of Flucelvax Quadrivalent will depend upon his or her vaccination history. Your doctor will need to consult the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ annual recommendations to determine how many doses to administer.
What are the Potential Side Effects of a Flucelvax Flu Shot?
Along with the risk of a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA), the FDA notes several potential side effects associated with the Flucelvax flu shot (note, however, that these side effects are not necessarily unique to Flucelvax). These include:
- Pain at the injection site
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Myalgia
- Injection site erythema
- Induration
Irritability and changes in eating habits have also been reported among 10 to 16 percent of children immunized with Flucelvax Quadrivalent between the ages of four and six.
Is Flucelvax Safe for Women Who Are Pregnant or Nursing?
According to the FDA, the safety and effectiveness of Flucelvax Quadrivalent have not yet been established among pregnant women and nursing mothers.
Is Flucelvax Safe for Senior Citizens?
While the FDA has not published any safety warnings specific to senior citizens, data indicate that antibody responses among adults over age 65 immunized with Flucelvax Quadrivalent are lower than those among younger adults.
Is Flucelvax Safe for Adults and Children with Egg Allergies?
Flucelvax is manufactured using a cell-based process rather than the egg-based process traditionally used for flu vaccine manufacturing. As a result, it does not present particular risks for individuals with egg allergies. However, anyone with concerns about allergic reactions or other negative side effects from Flucelvax should consult their doctor prior to receiving a vaccination.
Nationwide Legal Representation for Individuals with Vaccine Shoulder Injuries
The Center for Vaccine Shoulder Pain Recovery is a national law practice devoted to helping individuals and families who are struggling with the consequences of vaccine-related shoulder injuries. If you or a family member has been diagnosed with any form of SIRVA following a Flucelvax or Flucelvax Quadrivalent flu shot, we can help. For a free, no-obligation consultation, call (844) 789-2047 or contact us online today.