Introduction
Quadrivalent influenza vaccine (QIV) is a relatively new development in the field of influenza prevention. It is a vaccine that provides protection against four strains of the influenza virus. Since its introduction, QIV has become the standard of care for influenza prevention in many countries, including the United States, and is recommended for all individuals over the age of 6 months who do not have contraindications to vaccination. The development of QIV represents an important advancement in the field of influenza prevention, helping to reduce the overall burden of illness and death caused by this serious respiratory infection.
What Is Influenza?
The respiratory illness influenza, commonly referred to as the flu, is brought on by influenza viruses and is extremely contagious. Influenza viruses can infect people of all ages. Young children, older adults, and people with particular underlying medical conditions are thought to be at a higher risk of developing severe complications from the flu.
Symptoms:
- Fever.
- Cough.
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose.
- Body aches.
- Headache.
- Chills.
- Fatigue.
- Some people may also experience vomiting and diarrhea, although these symptoms are more common in children than adults.
A new flu vaccine is required every year because influenza viruses are ever-evolving. The best method to avoid getting the flu and its complications is to get vaccinated. It functions by triggering the body's immune system to develop antibodies that can recognize and fight the influenza virus.
What Is Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine?
The quadrivalent influenza vaccine (QIV) is a type of flu vaccine that incorporates four strains of the influenza virus, including two influenza A strains and two influenza B strains. Each year, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) choose the four flu strains that will be included in the vaccine based on the flu strains that are predicted to be most prevalent during the upcoming flu season. The QIV is designed to provide broader protection against the flu than the trivalent influenza vaccine (TIV), which contains only three strains.
Why Was Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine Developed?
The standard trivalent influenza vaccination (TIV) was unable to offer the best protection against all virus strains, leading to the development of QIV. This is due to the fact that two different strains of influenza A virus (H1N1 and H3N2) and two different strains of influenza B virus (Yamagata and Victoria) are frequently circulating among humans. While the TIV only includes one strain of influenza B virus, which can vary annually, it cannot provide protection against both types of influenza B virus.
Who Can Get Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine?
Anyone who is six months of age or older and does not have any vaccination-related contraindications may receive the quadrivalent flu vaccine. This includes pregnant women, people with chronic medical conditions, and people who are in close contact with others who are at high risk for flu-related complications. It's significant to remember that various flu vaccines have been licensed for use in various age groups.
The CDC(Centre for Disease Control and Prevention) has given a table of the United States influenza vaccination products for the 2022–2023 flu season, along with details on the recommended ages for each vaccine.
It includes information about vaccine types, manufacturers, age recommendations, dosages, methods of administration, and safety measures. When choosing the right vaccine for an individual, it is essential to refer to the table because different vaccines are licensed for use in different age groups.
Healthcare professionals can use the table to make informed decisions about which vaccine to administer to their patients based on relevant factors.
Who Is Not Recommended to Receive the Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine?
Even though the quadrivalent flu vaccine is safe for the vast majority of people, some people shouldn't receive it.
A person's fitness for vaccination or getting a particular vaccine may rely on a number of factors, including:
- Age, current and previous health, and any allergies to the flu vaccine or any of its ingredients.
- Children younger than six months old are not eligible for the flu vaccine, as it is not approved for use in this age group.
- People who have a severe allergy to any component of the flu vaccine or have had a severe allergic reaction to the vaccine in the past should not receive the vaccine. Individuals who are uncertain about their allergy status to the flu vaccine or its components are advised to seek guidance from their healthcare provider.
- People who have had Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) within six weeks of a previous flu vaccine should generally not receive the flu vaccine. There are a few exceptions, and those people should speak with their doctor to see if getting the flu shot is right for them.
- Other factors include whether they are currently sick, have a history of certain medical conditions, or are pregnant. For example, receiving the flu vaccine is not recommended for individuals who are currently sick with a fever, and they should wait until they have recovered before getting vaccinated.
- Pregnant women are encouraged to receive the flu vaccine to protect themselves and their unborn children but should consult with their healthcare provider before doing so.
What Are the Other Recommended Flu Vaccines?
The Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent vaccine, Flublok Quadrivalent Recombinant Flu Vaccine, and Fluad Quadrivalent Adjuvanted Flu Vaccine are all advised by the CDC for the 2022–2023 flu season. Other than that, various flu vaccines are available, and the choice of the vaccine depends on several factors, such as age, medical history, and allergies. It is best to consult a healthcare professional to determine which flu vaccine is appropriate for an individual.
Is Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine Safe?
It is considered safe as before being approved for use; the vaccine has undergone extensive testing, including clinical trials.
- QIV is made from inactivated flu viruses, which means that it cannot cause the flu.
- Like any vaccine, QIV may cause certain adverse effects, such as a low temperature, body aches, or pain or redness where the injection was made. The majority of the time, these side effects are minor and go away on their own.
- Serious side effects from QIV are rare.
- QIV is generally considered safe for pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers. However, it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider before getting vaccinated.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine (QIV) is a safe and effective way to protect against the flu. The QIV offers immunity against four strains of the influenza virus, which encompasses both influenza B virus types. QIV is approved for use in different age groups, and there are different types of flu vaccines that are recommended for different populations. While mild side effects may occur, serious side effects from QIV are rare. The benefits of getting vaccinated with QIV outweigh the risks for most people, and by getting vaccinated, people can protect themselves and others from the flu and potentially serious complications.
