Influenza vaccine
Influenza Vaccine · IAP
| When to give | From 6 mo: 2 doses 4 wk apart in the first year, then annual. |
|---|---|
| Dose | IIV (inactivated): uniform 0.5 mL from 6 months, 15 µg HA per strain. LAIV (live intranasal): 0.25 mL in each nostril. |
| Route | Intramuscular (IIV) / Intranasal (LAIV) |
| Site | Anterolateral thigh / deltoid (IIV); nostrils (LAIV) |
| Schedule / interval | 2 doses 4 wk apart if <9 yr & first-ever; then annual single dose. |
Catch-up schedule
Annual vaccination for all until 5 years; continue to 18 yr & beyond in high-risk. Give most recent available strain.
Adverse events (AEFI)
Local soreness; low-grade fever, myalgia. IIV efficacy ~50–75%; LAIV variable.
Brands available in India
IIV: Influvac Tetra, Fluarix Tetra, FluQuadri, VaxiFlu-4, Vaxigrip. LAIV: Nasovac-S4
Special considerations
2025 UPDATE — TRIVALENT (A/H1N1, A/H3N2, B/Victoria) now recommended over quadrivalent, as B/Yamagata lineage is presumed extinct globally. Best given pre-monsoon. LAIV contraindicated <2 yr, asthma, GBS, on antivirals/aspirin, pregnancy. Store 2–8°C.
See the full IAP-ACVIP 2025 immunisation schedule →
Sources
- IAP-ACVIP Recommended Immunization Schedule 2025 (Indian Pediatrics 2026)
- IAP Purple Book 2025, 5th edition