Panvax H1N1 Vaccine (Swine Flu Vaccine)

Generic Name: H1N1 Pandemic influenza vaccine (split virion, inactivated)
Product Name: Panvax H1N1 Vaccine (Swine Flu Vaccine)

Indication: What Panvax H1N1 Vaccine is used for

Panvax is a drug which prevents infection with the influenza virus H1N1 strain (often referred to as swine flu). It is approved for use in adults and children over 10 years of age.

Action: How Panvax H1N1 Vaccine works

Panvax is a vaccine containing inactive particles of the influenza (H1N1) virus. When these inactive particles enter the body, the immune system responds by developing antibodies to the virus particles. These antibodies then protect the individual from becoming infected with the active influenza (H1N1) virus.

Dose advice: How to use Panvax H1N1 Vaccine

Dose information

Panvax injections should always be administered at a medical facility. A single injection containing 0.5 mL of vaccine is given, usually in the upper arm.

Contraindications

Panvax should not be used by individuals who have previously experienced an anaphylactic hypersensitivity reaction to any of the following:

• Influenza vaccination;
• Eggs;
• Chicken protein; or
• Any other of the ingredients in the vaccine.

A doctor will also delay vaccination with Panvax for individuals experiencing:

• Fever; or
• Acute infection.

Precautions

As Panvax is a new vaccine, there is not yet information about whether it is safe for use in children.

There is also no information about how Panvax interacts with other vaccines. If Panvax is administered at the same time as another vaccine, the doctor will administer the injections in different locations.

Inidividuals who are immunocompromised or undergoing corticosteroid or immunosuppressant therapy may have a lower antibody response so your doctor will give you extra supervision.

Use in pregnancy

Panvax is a Pregnancy Category B2 medication. There is no information about the safety of using Panvax during pregnancy. A doctor will assess the risks and benefits of vaccinating pregnant women on a case by case basis.  

Use in breastfeeding

There is no information about whether Panvax can be administered safely to a woman who is breastfeeding. A doctor will assess the risks and benefits in each case.

Schedule of Panvax H1N1 Vaccine

Panvax is Schedule 4, prescription only medicine.¹

Side effects of Panvax H1N1 Vaccine

All vaccines cause some side effects, and while these are usually minor complaints, they can also sometimes be serious. A doctor will always assess the risk of an individual experiencing side effects before administering the vaccine.

Very common side effects

The very common side effects (reported in 10% or more of users) are typically mild and temporary. They are:

• Influenza-like illness (for users of the multi dose vaccine, which contains thiomersal);
• Headache (25.8%);
• Muscle pain (15.8%);
• Malaise (11.7%).

There are also a number of side effects of the injection (side effects which occur not because of the vaccine, but because a needle has been inserted into the skin and tissues) that occur very commonly. These are:

• Tenderness around the injection site (30.8%);
• Pain around the injection site (20.8%);
• Hardening of the tissues around the injection site (10%).

Common side effects

The common side effects (affecting between 1% and 10% of users) are also usually mild and resolve themselves. These are:

• Influenza-like illness (for users of the single dose vaccine, which does not contain thiomersal);
• Fever (5.8%)
• Nausea (5.8%)

The only common side effect relating to the injection site is bruising, which affects 5% of individuals injected with Panvax.

Uncommon side effects

Side effects that have been reported in 0.1–1% of users are considered uncommon. These include:

• Chills;
• Skin irritation;
• Hives;
• Rash.

Patients also uncommonly experience erythema at the injection site.

Rare side effects

Rare side effects are those reported in 0.01–0.1% of users. They include:

• Transient thrombocytopaenia;
• Allergic reactions, including anaphylactic shock (Symptoms include laboured breathing, profuse sweating, rapid pulse and collapse);
• Neuralgia (sharp, stabbing pain);
• Paraesthesia (an abnormal tingling sensation);
• Convulsion.

Very rare side effects

Very rare side effects are those reported in less than 0.01% of users. They include:

• Encephalitis (a serious and often fatal condition involving inflammation of the brain);
• Neuritis or neuropathy (inflammation of a nerve which can lead to pain and loss of function);
• Guillain-Barre syndrome (an infection which usually affects the respiratory tract. It causes general weakness and frequently the affected muscles become paralysed);
• Vasculitis (an allergic reaction in which a blood vessel becomes inflamed).

If you experience any of the listed side effects, or any other symptoms which appear abnormal or unusual, please tell your doctor.

More information

For more information on the common cold and influenza, types of influenza and treatments and tips for preventing influenza, see Cold and Flu.

References

1. CSL Limited. Product Information: Panvax [online]. MIMS Online. September 18 2009 [cited 5 November 2009]. Available from URL: www.mimsonline.com.au

For further information talk to your doctor.