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.
Common questions
When is the Influenza vaccine given?
From 6 mo: 2 doses 4 wk apart in the first year, then annual.
What is the Influenza vaccine dose and route?
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).
Can the Influenza vaccine be given late?
Annual vaccination for all until 5 years; continue to 18 yr & beyond in high-risk. Give most recent available strain.
What are the side effects of the Influenza vaccine?
Local soreness; low-grade fever, myalgia. IIV efficacy ~50–75%; LAIV variable.
Which Influenza vaccine brands are available in India?
IIV: Influvac Tetra, Fluarix Tetra, FluQuadri, VaxiFlu-4, Vaxigrip. LAIV: Nasovac-S4
See the full IAP-ACVIP 2025 immunisation schedule →
About this page
Aligned with the IAP-ACVIP Recommended Immunization Schedule 2025 and compiled from standard paediatric references. Verify against the current product insert, the national schedule and your local protocol.
Spotted something wrong? Report an error on this page — corrections from clinicians are welcome and are reviewed before any change is published.
Last reviewed 2026-08-12.