Influenza virus haemagglutinin: clinical use

Prescribing considerations

• Confirm current national programme eligibility separately from the product licence.
• Postpone vaccination during an acute febrile illness.
• Antibody response may be reduced by disease-related or treatment-related immunosuppression.
• Use caution with thrombocytopenia or bleeding disorders because administration is intramuscular.

Contraindications and cautions

• Hypersensitivity to the haemagglutinin antigens, any listed excipient or trace residue such as octylphenol ethoxylate.

Monitoring

• Ensure facilities and trained staff are available to manage anaphylaxis.
• Record the product name and batch number for traceability.
• Use measures to prevent injury from injection-related syncope.
• Report suspected adverse reactions as appropriate; Supemtek TIVr carries additional monitoring status.

Clinical pharmacology

Recombinant haemagglutinin antigens induce a humoral immune response, including haemagglutination-inhibiting antibodies. Pharmacokinetic assessment is not applicable to this vaccine.

Formulation and product differences

• Clear, colourless solution in a pre-filled syringe, with packs available with or without a separate needle.
• Recombinant manufacture avoids eggs and does not use live influenza virus; UK programme information also describes it as free from antibiotics and gelatine.
• Contains polysorbate 20 and may contain trace octylphenol ethoxylate.
• The seasonal formulation is trivalent; verify the current pack and product information before use.