WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Guillain-Barrİ Syndrome
If Guillain-Barrİ syndrome has occurred within 6 weeks of receipt of prior influenza vaccine, the decision to give FLUVIRIN® should be based on careful consideration of the potential benefits and risks.
Altered Immunocompetence
If FLUVIRIN® is administered to immunocompromised persons, including individuals receiving immunosuppressive therapy, the expected immune response may not be obtained.
Preventing and Managing Allergic Reactions
Prior to administration of any dose of FLUVIRIN®, the healthcare provider should review the patient's prior immunization history for possible adverse events, to determine the existence of any contraindication to immunization with FLUVIRIN® and to allow an assessment of benefits and risks. Appropriate medical treatment and supervision must be available to manage possible anaphylactic reactions following administration of the vaccine.
Limitations of Vaccine Effectiveness
Vaccination with FLUVIRIN® may not protect all individuals.
USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Category C: Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with FLUVIRIN®. It is also not known whether FLUVIRIN® can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. FLUVIRIN® should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.
Nursing Mothers
It is not known whether FLUVIRIN® is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when FLUVIRIN® is administered to a nursing woman.
Pediatric Use
The safety and immunogenicity of FLUVIRIN® have not been established in children under 4 years of age.
The safety and immunogenicity of FLUVIRIN® have been established in the age group 4 years to 16 years. The use of FLUVIRIN® in these age groups is supported by evidence from adequate and well controlled studies of FLUVIRIN® in adults that demonstrate the immunogenicity of FLUVIRIN® [see ADVERSE REACTIONS and CLINICAL STUDIES ].
Geriatric Use
Since 1997, of the total number of geriatric subjects (n = 397) in clinical studies of FLUVIRIN®, 29% were 65 years and over, while 2.1% were 75 years and over.
Antibody responses were lower in the geriatric population than in younger subjects. Adverse events occurred less frequently in geriatric subjects (≥65 years) than in younger adults. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. [See ADVERSE REACTION and CLINICAL STUDIES].
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