The population annually faces epidemics of influenza. Compared with the symptoms of other common acute respiratory diseases, the symptoms of the disease are most severe. Recently, many are interested in methods that will help to protect themselves and prevent the development of the disease. Among the available options, vaccination is not the last place. Experts say the Ultrix vaccine It can significantly increase the body's resistance to attacks of pathogenic pathogens.
General vaccine description
Ultrix is an inactivated solution, which contains influenza viruses of several strains cultured on chicken proteins: A / H1N1, A / H3N2 and B. One dose contains 15 μg of hemagglutinin of each type of virus. According to official instructions, merthiolate (preservative) is sometimes used as an auxiliary substance. The composition of the vaccine changes every year and contains mutated viruses over the past few years, which allows you to protect the body from an "unfamiliar" infection.
Large-scale clinical studies have proven the effectiveness of the drug. A feature of the vaccine is the presence in the composition of pseudovirus particles that stimulate the production of immunity at the cellular level. This provides longer-lasting protection against the influenza pathogen. The Ultrix flu vaccine (manufacturer - Microgen, Russia) is available in syringes and ampoules that contain a colorless liquid (0.5 ml).
Who is vaccinated for?
According to the manufacturer's recommendations, vaccination with the drug is indicated for people at risk:
- Children (from 6 years old).
- People who often have acute respiratory infections.
- Employees of medical institutions, kindergartens, schools, universities.
- Patients with diseases of the endocrine system, heart.
- Persons over 60 years old.
- Patients with somatic pathologies.
Influenza is a particularly contagious viral disease, and infection occurs even with prolonged contact with the patient. Every year, a huge number of people suffer from this ailment and various complications: pneumonia, meningitis, otitis media, encephalitis.
Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent virus infection. Doctors advise the procedure to be performed every year, but at the same time, vaccination is not mandatory and is done purely at will.
Disadvantages of the procedure
Vaccines against influenza have been created for more than half a century, and the composition of drugs is improved annually. Despite this, vaccination does not provide complete protection against the virus. A person even after it can get sick, and in some cases the ailment is severe. The influenza vaccine Ultrix is only valid for 12 months. According to experts, it provides good body protection, but after some time, vaccination should be repeated.
Many patients are concerned about the presence of preservatives in the vaccine. This fact often becomes the main reason for refusing vaccination, especially when it comes to a child. To avoid the negative consequences of the vaccine, you should first obtain the advice of your doctor, find out contraindications to the procedure.
Ultrix (vaccine): instructions
The manufacturer recommends vaccination annually to protect against the severe course of the influenza virus and further complications. The procedure must be carried out in the autumn-winter period. Also, vaccination will be effective at the beginning of an exacerbation of the epidemiological situation.
If the integrity or labeling is violated, the syringe is considered defective and cannot be used to administer the drug. You should also pay special attention to the liquid for injection itself. Normally, it should be transparent, and the appearance of sediment, colors indicate non-compliance with storage conditions and shelf life. Before the manipulation itself, it is necessary to shake the contents of the syringe and remove the air by slowly pressing the piston.
The procedure is carried out under strict antiseptics. Before opening, the vaccine ampoule is wiped with a cotton swab dipped in ethanol (70%). Having opened the ampoule, the solution is drawn into a new syringe and the remaining air is removed. The injection site (the upper third of the outer surface of the shoulder) is treated with an antiseptic, after which the injection itself is done.
Vaccination of children with the Ultrix vaccine
The need to vaccinate children against influenza is questioned not only by most parents, but also by some specialists. The inactivated Ultrix vaccine is used in pediatrics, but only for children over 6 years old. Previously, it is necessary to undergo an examination and exclude all contraindications for the manipulation.
Whether a child should be vaccinated against the influenza virus should be decided only by the parents. If the baby does not attend educational institutions (kindergarten, general education or sports school), then perhaps the manipulation should be postponed to the next year. Recommended procedure for children who go to school and are prone to frequent colds.
Contraindications
The vaccine can be administered only if the patient is healthy, he has no signs of acute respiratory viral infection, colds, flu. Before manipulation, body temperature should be measured, and if the indicator is above 37 ° C, vaccination is prohibited.
The vaccine is contraindicated in the presence of a patient’s history of allergic reactions to previous vaccinations. The patient may have an intolerance to chicken protein or other components of the product. It is necessary to postpone vaccination against influenza for some time in case of exacerbation of chronic diseases. Unacceptable vaccination during lactation.
Do you need flu vaccination?
Even immunologists and virologists themselves do not have a clear opinion on the need for vaccination against influenza. On the one hand, the procedure allows for at least a short time to protect the body from a serious illness, on the other hand, there is a risk of side effects.
The advantage of vaccination is a significant reduction in the number of infections. If a virus infection nevertheless happened, the Ultrix flu vaccine will help to transfer the disease much easier. In some situations, the disease can even occur in a latent form. Vaccination has shown good results - the mortality rate from influenza and its complications has decreased significantly.
Are there any complications?
Behind refusal of vaccination in most cases there is a fear of developing side effects and deteriorating health conditions. The manufacturer of the Ultrix vaccine warns that a similar situation is possible. After vaccination, an allergic response of the immune system to the components of the drug may occur. Most often there is redness and swelling at the injection site. A day after the procedure, a local reaction should pass.
Some patients experienced side effects in the form of symptoms of influenza virus infection the day after the manipulation. Parents should be aware that with an increase in body temperature in the baby, the appearance of weakness after vaccination, you should seek medical help (emergency or ambulance).
Ultrix during pregnancy
According to the instructions, studies on the effect of vaccine components on pregnancy and fetal development have not been conducted. Doctors recommend getting vaccinated during pregnancy planning. In the first 12 weeks, the baby’s vital organs are laid, so administering the vaccine is extremely dangerous and undesirable. There are situations, for example, a high risk of infection, when the introduction of an influenza vaccine is possible from the second trimester. In this case, only an inactivated vaccine is allowed.
At the same time, experts say that the risk of developing any abnormalities in the fetus even after vaccination at the initial stage of pregnancy is practically zero, but a flu infection can lead to severe deformities and anomalies. In any case, the need for vaccination should be determined by the attending physician.
What is the difference between Ultrix and Grippol vaccines?
Currently, there is a wide selection of means for vaccination against influenza of both domestic and imported origin. The Ultrix vaccine contains both the internal and surface antigens of influenza A and B viruses, which makes it one of the most effective. No less effective is the vaccine "Grippol", which is produced in Russia and Uzbekistan. The composition of the solution for injection is somewhat different and, in addition to strains of the influenza virus, contains polyoxidonium. The substance has a powerful detoxification and immunomodulating effect.
Which vaccine will be better - Ultrix or Grippol - should be decided by the attending physician. It should be borne in mind that "Grippol" can be used for vaccinating babies from 6 months. Also, clinical studies have shown that the drug is absolutely safe for women in position. Vaccination is carried out only in vaccination rooms. After the procedure itself, the specialist should monitor the patient's condition for half an hour.
Expert opinion
In the period of exacerbation of the influenza epidemic, an increasing number of people begin to think about the need for vaccination. Indeed, vaccination can, if not completely protect against an illness, then significantly reduce the severity of the disease. The Ultrix flu vaccine has proven itself on the positive side and is popular with both doctors and patients. The composition of the drug is selected so that the consequences of use are minimized and do not cause adverse reactions.
Having decided to be vaccinated, you should first pass an examination, exclude the presence of contraindications to a specific remedy. The vaccine "Ultrix" for vaccination can be used annually. The developers are constantly improving the composition, which allows you to get protection against the most common strains of the influenza virus.