home Endocrinology Flu vaccination - pros and cons. Is it possible to refuse a flu shot? Is the flu vaccine required?

Flu vaccination - pros and cons. Is it possible to refuse a flu shot? Is the flu vaccine required?

The influenza pandemic affects most regions every year Russian Federation, spreading mainly among children, elderly citizens, people with chronic illnesses. It is possible to prevent outbreaks of the disease by carrying out mass vaccination (at least 70%), which will form stable immunity in vaccinated people and stop the circulation of infection among the population.

For flu prevention medical organizations acquire - “Grippol”, “”. Let's highlight distinctive characteristics the drug "Grippol", its composition, features of use.

Who should get vaccinated against influenza?

Immunization is recommended for everyone age groups, excluding infants from 0 to 6 months. Vaccination is especially appropriate for people who have high probability Complications may occur after infection with influenza. These include:

citizens over 50 years of age;
children from 6 months to 12 years;
persons with chronic diseases vascular system, bronchopulmonary, somatic, with kidney diseases, immunodeficiency, diabetes mellitus, anemia, metabolic disorders;
citizens of “public” professions: police officers, medical personnel, military personnel, trade workers, social services, transport.

The “Grippol” vaccine ensures the formation of a stable barrier within society, therefore it is used in boarding schools, nursing homes, etc.

Pros and cons of vaccination

The theoretical calculations of health care workers and statistical data for years of routine immunization look convincing. But, at the level of ordinary people, opinions differ regarding the correctness of the treatment against the flu.

Among the positive arguments are:

reducing the incidence of influenza infection among vaccinated citizens;
the course of the disease in a mild form in immunized but sick people;
no complications after influenza.

Negative reviews have been received from opponents of vaccination, they believe that it is impossible to predict the structure of the virus strain, which will be active in the next season and claim that frequent side effects from the vaccine, comparable to a full-fledged influenza state. Let's try to understand the validity of the proposed theses.

Characteristics of the Grippol vaccine

The product was developed by the Institute of Immunology of the FMBA and is Russian government agency, works closely with the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation. The inactivated vaccine was obtained using a unique technology in which the surface glycoproteins of the influenza virus were isolated, followed by purification of the composition from protein components.

The approach made it possible to reduce the reactogenicity of the body, i.e. the number of adverse reactions decreased after vaccination. In addition to protective antigens of viruses types A, B (5 μg each), the drug includes:

high molecular weight polyoxidonium (500 μg), linked to antigens. It functions as an immunomodulator, stimulating the production of antibodies, and increases immunological memory;
triomesal – preservative.

In the Grippol vaccine, the antigenic composition is updated, which is associated with WHO forecasts regarding the circulation of a particular virus in the next season.

The drug always contains viral antigens of type A (2 types) and one type B, therefore the vaccine is characterized as trivalent.

Externally, “Grippol” is visualized as colorless clear liquid, not containing additional inclusions or impurities. The drug is packaged in ampoules of 0.5 ml, which corresponds to a single dose for an adult.

A protective barrier is developed after the vaccine is administered in 8 to 12 days, and is subsequently maintained for 12 months.

Scheme of administration of "Grippol"

Vaccination begins 1 - 1.5 months before the planned increase in the incidence of influenza. For adults, the drug is injected deep under the skin into the upper third of the shoulder (deltoid muscle), for children - into the outer front of the thigh.

The use of the vaccine is similar to the “” analogue:

when the child reaches 6 months and up to 3 years, a suspension of 0.25 ml is administered twice with an intermediate period of 4 weeks;
at the same age, a child vaccinated in the previous season is vaccinated against influenza in a dose of 0.5 ml;
an adult child over 3 years old, other citizens are given the vaccine in a standard volume of 0.5 ml;
Persons with immunodeficiency conditions are recommended to receive double vaccination of 0.5 ml with a period of 4 weeks between injections.

"Grippol" is stored at a refrigeration temperature of 2 - 8 C. Products with expired expiration dates, visible chips, scratches on the glass, discolored vaccine, or improper storage must be disposed of.

How to behave after vaccination

The first 30 minutes from the moment of administration of the drug should be in medical institution, which is especially recommended for persons with sensitivity to chicken protein. If acute allergic reactions to the vaccine, breathing problems, sharp increase Doctors will provide fever, headaches timely assistance, stabilize the condition.

In the next 2 days you should not load digestive system foods that are difficult to digest, eat foods that provoke allergies. drinks for 10 days, so as not to undermine the functioning of the immune system, whose forces are aimed at forming antibodies to the influenza virus.

Taking water procedures is not prohibited. But, it is recommended not to swim in open bodies of water for the first 2 - 3 days, and to visit baths, swimming pools, saunas, in order to prevent bacterial infection from entering through enlarged pores in the injection area. If the child's temperature rises due to the vaccine, bathing is postponed to the next day.

Side effects

The “Grippol” vaccine is a drug that is maximally purified from protein impurities, obtained from inactivated structures of influenza units, and is not capable of causing global complications in the majority of vaccinated individuals.

The most typical manifestation of local reactions in a small number of patients is:

redness at the injection site, swelling;
temperature jump to 38 C, maintaining it for 2 days;
general fatigue, weakness, runny nose.

Similar reactions are short-term nature, pass in a day, do not require additional appeal to the doctor. A child vaccinated with the Grippol vaccine tolerates vaccination well; the same manifestations as in adults are possible. In 10% of children, severe swelling is observed at the injection site; it is advisable not to wet the inflamed area for 2–3 days.

When is it prohibited to use Grippol?

Vaccination against influenza virus is prescribed healthy patients. The doctor conducts necessary examinations before the procedure. The following are considered contraindications for vaccination:

infectious diseases;
rise in temperature;
allergic reactions on constituent components“Grippol” or chicken protein;
febrile, chronic conditions. The vaccine is given during the period of remission.

Pregnant women are allowed to use the product in the second half of their term, since it has been experimentally proven that the composition of the vaccine does not have an embryotoxic effect. Gynecologists are afraid of the possible occurrence of manifestations that will jeopardize the health of the child and mother.

More often, a woman expecting a child is vaccinated with the Grippol Plus suspension.

Vaccine substitutes

Many countries are concerned about preventing influenza, constantly working to improve the vaccine. Officially in Russia, third generation drugs are recognized that cause a minimal amount of side diseases. The most popular are the following drugs for the flu:

Russian production: “Grippol Plus”, “Grippol Neo”;
imported: "Agrippal", "", "Vaxigrip", "Fluarix", "Inflexal".

The listed vaccinations are trivalent and contain inactivated antigens to 3 types of influenza.

Whether to do this for a child is a rhetorical question. Flu insidious disease, fraught with lightning-fast development of complications of the respiratory system, heart, and the appearance of otitis media in 40% of children.

Video: Statistics on vaccine use

In order to prevent influenza and its complications, doctors recommend vaccinating the population. This will make it possible to avoid seasonal outbreaks of the disease and the circulation of the virus among people. This is especially true for children younger age and older people who are weakened and unable to fight negative factors. For vaccination, drugs such as Grippol and Grippol plus are used. After using these vaccines, a short-term reaction is produced, and therefore it must be repeated annually. The instructions for Grippol contain information regarding the specifics of using the vaccine, as well as contraindications.

Influenza is a vaccine that promotes the development high level immunity from influenza

Compound

Exist different kinds vaccines:

Live weakened;
Inactivated whole virions or killed;
Split (split-, subunit, virosomal).

The drug Grippol is a split vaccine. It contains split elements of the shell and intracellular structures of the influenza virus grown on chicken embryos. The virus antigens are linked to a special carrier polyoxidonium, which has an immunostimulating effect. There are three viral antigens associated with it - A/H1N1, A/H3N2, B. The drug may also contain a preservative.

Virologists regularly analyze which strains of the virus are most common in order to make adjustments next year. Therefore, the manufacturer periodically changes antigenic structure, depending on the epidemiological situation.

The Grippol vaccine has an ideal ratio of immunogenicity and reactogenicity, which allows you to stimulate the immune system in 10-14 days. Almost 80-90% of the population with vaccination maintains protective titers for a whole year.

The composition of the flu vaccine Grippol plus is as follows:

Virus strain type A (H1N1,H3N2) – 5 µg;
Type B strain – 5 µg;
Polyoxidonium;
Buffer solution.

This improved inactive vaccine does not contain preservatives, which means it can be safely used by both children and pregnant women.

The vaccine promotes the development of high levels specific immunity from the flu. Usually protective properties appear after 12 days and persist for one year. Polyoxidonium, which is part of the drug, helps to increase immunogenicity and antigenic stability, and also increases immunological memory, which makes it possible to reduce the dose of antigens during vaccination. In addition, in vaccinated people, due to the correction immune status, there is an increase in the body's resistance to other infections.

There is also a quadrivalent vaccine, Grippol Quadrivalent, which contains: influenza virus antigens type A (H1N1, H3N2), type B strains (Yamagata, Victoria line), polyoxidonium, lyophysillite substance, buffer solution.

Indications

Infants (on reaching 6 one month old) and preschoolers;
Schoolchildren (grades 1-11);
Students;
Military personnel and conscripts;
Police officers;
People over 60 years old;
Workers in the medical, pedagogical, transport and public utilities sectors, as well as Food Industry and trade;
Patients with chronic respiratory diseases, of cardio-vascular system and impaired metabolism.

The instructions for using the Grippol Plus vaccine state that it can be used even by pregnant women. But most doctors make decisions regarding vaccination carefully, focusing and weighing everything possible risks flu infections and possible adverse reactions body to the drug. Vaccination in the 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy is considered the safest.

Contraindications

The Grippol flu vaccine should not be given during acute respiratory infections with fever. In this case, you will need to wait about a month. The same should be done if there is an exacerbation of a chronic disease. Instructions Grippol plus contains the following contraindications for vaccination:

Individual intolerance to individual components of the drug;
Previous allergic reaction to vaccination;
Allergy to chicken protein.

Important! Diseases of the central nervous system and psychical deviations are not contraindications to the use of the vaccine.

In most cases, people who receive the highly purified Grippol Plus vaccine do not have any adverse reactions. But in some cases, negative manifestations still arise in the form of:

The appearance of redness and painful swelling of tissue at the injection site;
Appearance low-grade fever after vaccination;
Weakness, headaches and runny nose;

Temperature rise to 38*C;
Muscle aches;
Allergic reaction (usually one case per 10 thousand vaccinations);
Violation nervous system(paresthesia or).

Important! During the vaccination period, immunity temporarily decreases and therefore drinking alcohol on these days is prohibited, as this can significantly affect health and negatively affect the production of antibodies. In addition, this combination may contribute to the development of an allergic reaction.

Application and dosage

The Grippol flu vaccine is administered according to the instructions:

Children from 6 months to 3 years are vaccinated twice. The second is administered 3-4 months after the first in a smaller dosage (0.25 ml). It is injected intramuscularly into the anterolateral part of the thigh.
From 3 years of age and for adults, the drug is administered once. Dosage – 0.5 ml. The injection is given into a muscle or subcutaneously into the shoulder.
People with an immunodeficiency disease are given the vaccine twice (one month apart).

Older children who have not previously been vaccinated are recommended to be re-vaccinated a month after the first.

To vaccinate children, half the dosage of the Grippol vaccine is used. The procedure is carried out as follows:

Before use, the vaccine vial must be warmed to room temperature. Then shake well.
Open the ampoule with a special ampoule knife, after wiping top part cotton wool with alcohol. If a bottle is used, the cap must be treated.
Then, using a syringe, the required amount of liquid is drawn through the cap or from the ampoule. Be sure to remove any remaining air from the syringe.
The skin is wiped with alcohol and the drug is injected. After which the injection site is again treated with an alcohol-containing product.

Before and after vaccination

A few days before using the Grippol Plus vaccine, it is not recommended to try new foods, as well as those that may cause allergic reactions. If it's a child infancy, then you should avoid introducing new complementary foods during the period of proposed vaccination. Vitamin D should be discontinued 5 days before administration of the drug. It is responsible for the formation of children's body and due to an imbalance, a negative allergic reaction may occur. If a child is prone to allergies, then before and after vaccination you need to give him Fenistil or Claritin. Experts recommend that on the day of vaccination you do not go home immediately after administering the drug. It is optimal to stay in the hospital for about 30-40 minutes, so that in case of a negative reaction to the injection, doctors can provide necessary help. The following symptoms are dangerous:

Pale skin;
Restless behavior;
Lips, tongue and ears swell;
Rapid rise in temperature;
Hives;
Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing.

The appearance of these signs requires examination by a doctor.

Place of puncture skin cannot be wetted during the day. The next day you are allowed to shower and bathe, but you should not rub the injection site. It is advisable to use it for several days light food, as well as products that are not capable of causing allergic reactions.

Interaction

The drug can be combined with other similar and live vaccines, except BCG and rabies vaccinations. It is important to give injections different areas body and, of course, using separate syringes. The vaccine combines well with the treatment of chronic diseases and does not react with basic drugs.

Analogs

There are a number of inactivated anti-flu drugs that can replace Grippol:

Vaxigrip;
Sovigrip;
Ultrix;

Ultrix is an analogue of Grippol, produced in Russia

Which is better: Grippol or Ultrix

How high quality and effective is the vaccine? Both the first and second drugs are produced in Russia. True, Ultrix is an exact analogue of imported vaccines such as Influvac and Vaxigrip, in which people have more confidence. When choosing Grippol or Ultrix, you should pay attention to the age of the person being vaccinated. So, Ultrix is allowed only from 6 years old. But a drug such as Sovigripp is administered only from the age of 18.

Price Grippol plus

Buy a vaccine in Moscow for 250-300 rubles. The purchase of the drug is possible only with a doctor's prescription.

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Leonid

My wife and I get vaccinated with influenza plus every year. private clinic. We are pleased, although we were very hesitant at first. Previously, people were vaccinated with influvac, but it was not introduced. Then the doctor said about flu plus, since the same company produces his antigens. And in terms of the degree of purification and effectiveness, this vaccine is in no way inferior.... My wife and I get vaccinated with influenza plus every year in a private clinic. We are pleased, although we were very hesitant at first. Previously, people were vaccinated with influvac, but it was not introduced. Then the doctor said about flu plus, since the same company produces his antigens. And in terms of purity and effectiveness, this vaccine is in no way inferior. We have known our doctor for a long time, he would not lie, so we immediately agreed to the vaccination. The price is even better than Grippol Plus. And it works no worse than influvac. During the year, I caught a cold once, but quickly recovered, and my wife did not get sick at all. This year we also got vaccinated, but with quadrivalent flu. It protects against 4 types of virus, and not against 3, like the “plus” formula. Let's see how it works)

Anonymous user

The user left his review anonymously

At the enterprise, management organizes vaccinations every year. Of course, a runny nose happens during the winter, but I don’t have to go on sick leave for a week with a fever.

Advantages Free, helps

Flaws There is a slight discomfort after vaccination, it goes away the next day

Irinusik

Our authorities are purchasing this vaccine. Judging by the growth in profits, it really works)) But I still can’t understand what kind of adverse reactions people are writing about?? We have had more than 200 people vaccinated with influenza plus, and no one had allergies or cold symptoms. And I didn’t seem to go on sick leave because of the flu... Our authorities are purchasing this vaccine. Judging by the growth in profits, it really works)) But I still can’t understand what kind of adverse reactions people are writing about?? We have had more than 200 people vaccinated with influenza plus, and no one had allergies or cold symptoms. And no one seemed to go on sick leave because of the flu. The specialists who carried out the vaccination told us that side effects were most often due to intolerance to the composition of the vaccine. But they are not significant and temporary. And if someone writes about a temperature over 40 and convulsions, then most likely the virus was already in the body before the vaccination. It was necessary to check better, but as you know, a bad dancer’s legs get in the way. So here too, the vaccine is to blame for everything))

Since 2006, the “Grippol Plus” vaccine has been included in the calendar routine vaccinations. In 2009, it was allowed to be used on children, and since 2014 it has been used for vaccine prevention of pregnant women.

Let's find out what kind of vaccine this is, how it is used, how it is tolerated, whether it has side effects, can there be an allergy after use? How does Grippol Plus interact with other drugs, and does it have analogues? Below we will describe the instructions for use of “Grippol Plus” accessible language.

Vaccine characteristics

"Grippol" differs in that it contains the immunoadjuvant polyoxidonium, which tends to bind to influenza viral antigens.

"Grippol Plus" is an improved inactivated influenza vaccine "Grippol". What are the differences between Grippol and Grippol Plus? The Grippol Plus vaccine does not contain a preservative, so it can be used even by pregnant women and children.

The manufacturer of Grippol Plus is the Russian NPO Petrovax Pharm. This pharmaceutical company holds exclusive rights to the vaccine. Registration number drug - LSZ-006981/08.

"Grippol Plus" is an inactivated trivalent polymer-subunit influenza vaccine. It contains antigens of influenza viruses type A and B. The vaccine strain is grown on chicken embryos. The drug also contains an immunoadjuvant - azoximer bromide. Usually "Grippol plus" from swine flu contains one antigen of the influenza B virus and 2 antigens - strain A. The composition of the antigens of the drug changes annually depending on the current strain of the virus, according to WHO.

Composition of "Grippol Plus" in 1 dose:

viral strain type A (H1N1), 5 μg;
virus strain A (H3N2), 5 μg;
viral strain type B, 5 μg;
polyoxidonium 500 mcg;
buffer solution 0.5 ml.

The immunogenic effectiveness of Grippol Plus is 75–95%. That is, immunity is developed in so many vaccinated people. Antibodies against the influenza virus are produced within 1–2 weeks and last for 12 months. Polyoxidonium, which is part of the drug, enhances the immunogenicity (ability to produce immunity) of the vaccine and the stability of antigens.

Release form and storage rules

The vaccine is available in dosage form- suspension, used intramuscularly and subcutaneously. It is produced in disposable syringes with an atraumatic needle. The drug is also produced in ampoules and sealed bottles. Packages include 1, 5 or 10 syringes, ampoules or vials.

The storage conditions for Grippol Plus are as follows.

The drug is transported at a temperature of 2–8 °C in a closed container. Transportation at a temperature of 25 °C is possible for no longer than 6 hours.
Storage temperature 2–8 °C.
The vaccine cannot be stored in the freezer. In case of violation temperature regime the drug cannot be used.
The shelf life of the drug is 1 year.

After the expiration date, the drug should not be used. Do not use a drug with cracks in the bottle or ampoule, or with a discolored vaccine.

How is the Grippol Plus vaccine used?

Flu shots are given in September or October. At what age can the vaccine be used? - according to the instructions for use of “Grippol Plus”, infants They begin to vaccinate with this drug starting at 6 months.

Scheme age dosage next.

Children from 6 months to 3 years of age are vaccinated twice. The second vaccination is given 3-4 weeks after the first injection in a dose of 0.25 ml intramuscularly into the anterolateral thigh.
"Grippol plus" is administered to children from 3 years of age and adults once into the muscle or subcutaneously 0.5 ml into the upper outer part brachialis muscle.
Patients suffering from immunodeficiency diseases receive 2 vaccinations with a break of 3–4 weeks.

On the day of vaccination, the drug is kept at room temperature and shaken before administration. The ampoule and bottle are opened, observing the rules of sterility. When vaccinating young children, half the dose is removed by squeezing out of the syringe, after which the remaining 0.25 ml of vaccine is administered. The injection site is wiped with a cotton swab and alcohol. After opening the bottle, the drug is not stored.

Indications for use

Vaccination is indicated for adults and children for specific prevention seasonal and swine flu. Mandatory vaccinations according to the National Calendar are given to the contingent increased risk infections and complications:

Elderly people are vaccinated without any age limit. This category of people is at risk of complications of the disease if they become infected with influenza.

Vaccination of pregnant women

According to available research data, Grippol Plus does not have harmful effects for the fetus and embryo. The vaccine is safe during pregnancy because it does not contain preservatives.

Since 2014, this drug has been used to vaccinate pregnant women. However, in each individual case, the decision to vaccinate during pregnancy is discussed with a doctor based on the risk of contracting influenza and taking into account the potential reaction after vaccination.

More safe period for vaccination of a pregnant woman - II and III trimester of gestation. Vaccination with the Grippol Plus vaccine can also be done during breastfeeding.

Contraindications

Delayed contraindications for the use of Grippol Plus are possible in the case of acute respiratory infections with fever. In this case, vaccination is done 1 month after the infection. An exacerbation of a chronic disease is also a reason to postpone vaccination until remission.

Permanent contraindications for Grippol Plus:

allergies after previous Grippol Plus vaccination;
individual intolerance to the vaccine or its components;
allergy to chicken protein.

In case of non-severe intestinal disorder Vaccination is postponed until the temperature normalizes. Diseases of the nervous system and mental disorders are not a contraindication for vaccination.

Side effects

"Grippol Plus" is a highly purified drug. The vaccine is well tolerated by children and adults. Most often, after vaccination with the Grippol Plus vaccine, even local reactions do not occur.

According to the instructions for use of Grippol Plus, the following side effects are allowed:

Some people are interested in the question of drinking alcohol after the Grippol Plus vaccination. The vaccine temporarily weakens the immune system because it forces the body to produce antibodies against the flu. Alcoholic drinks also reduce immunity. Such an unproductive “commonwealth” is depressing immune system and increases the risk of an allergic reaction. In addition, the presence of polyoxidonium in the vaccine preparation is a contraindication for drinking alcohol.

What to do before and after vaccination

3-4 days before vaccination, do not take new dishes or allergenic foods. Do not administer to an infant new complementary foods. 4-5 days before vaccination, do not give children vitamin D, which is responsible for the formation of calcium in the body. Calcium imbalance increases the risk of an allergic reaction after vaccination. If you are prone to allergies, do not take Suprastin before or after vaccination - this drug dries out the mucous membranes respiratory tract, which promotes infection by viruses and bacteria. Instead of Suprastin, take Fenistil or Claritin.

On the day of vaccination, do not rush to leave the clinic immediately after vaccination. Sit next to the vaccination office for another half hour. If complications arise, you will quickly receive help.

Dangerous symptoms in case of immediate type allergy:

If such signs appear, consult a doctor immediately.

When you come home, do not wet the vaccination site. You can swim the next day, but you should not rub the injection site. After vaccination, eat light and low-calorie foods for 2-3 days, and also exclude foods containing allergens. These measures will reduce the risk of allergies after vaccination in sensitive people.

Interaction of Grippol Plus with other drugs

The Grippol Plus vaccination can be combined with other inactivated and live vaccines, except BCG and rabies. In this case, vaccinations are given in different parts of the body and with separate syringes.

The Grippol Plus vaccine can also be used during the treatment of a chronic disease with basic drugs.

Immunization of people with HIV infection and immunodeficiency conditions is not effective enough.

Analogs

Similar “Grippol plus” vaccines are inactivated drugs against influenza of foreign and Russian production:

In all of the listed inactivated vaccines, the virus strains change annually in accordance with WHO recommendations.

In conclusion, we would like to remind you that “Grippol Plus” is the official vaccine of the national calendar preventive vaccinations since 2006. This is a highly purified inactivated vaccine that is effective against influenza and is well tolerated. The drug does not contain preservatives and mercury. The Grippol Plus vaccine is harmless to children and pregnant women.

Influenza and its complications are serious illnesses Therefore, doctors are actively promoting preventive vaccinations. This topic is especially relevant for young children and the elderly, patients with chronic diseases of the respiratory tract and cardiovascular system.

According to WHO recommendations, immunization against influenza should cover up to 90% of the population by 2016. This will prevent acute seasonal outbreaks of the disease, reduce the rate of complications and prevent the circulation of the virus among the population. Vaccination is carried out in most regions domestic drugs"Grippol" and "Grippol Plus". Let's take a closer look at what the Grippol flu shot is, what the features of this drug are and what side effects it has.

Influenza immunization is included in National Calendar vaccinations since 2006 and are provided free of charge to the following categories of citizens (with their consent or their parents):

elderly people over 60 years of age;
persons suffering from chronic diseases, including bronchopulmonary and cardiovascular diseases;
people exposed respiratory infections;
children over six months;
schoolchildren and students;
medical workers;
other categories of persons permanently located in in public places- employees educational institutions, service sectors, trade, transport, military personnel.

There is a recommendation to vaccinate with Grippol during pregnancy in the second and third trimester, but most doctors treat it with caution, carefully weighing the possible risks. Although it has been experimentally established that the vaccine does not have embryotoxic or teratogenic effects, possible adverse reactions to the vaccine will not benefit the mother and child.

Flu shot - pros and cons

In addition to the official position of health workers, there is another opinion about flu vaccinations. There are strong arguments for and against vaccination.

Vaccine advocates talk about positive effects vaccinations.

Vaccinated people have a reduced incidence of influenza.
If a person does get sick with the flu, the disease progresses in mild form and does not cause complications.

Opponents of vaccination explain their position with the following facts.

The influenza virus is constantly changing its structure, so it is almost impossible to guess which flu will appear next year. Thus, they vaccinate us against one disease, but another threatens us.
After vaccination, influenza-like conditions often occur, which is comparable to the “field” virus. If you then get sick in the midst of an epidemic, you will get two diseases instead of one.

Composition and effect of the Grippol vaccine

The drug belongs to the so-called split vaccines. This means that the Grippol vaccine contains split components of the shell and intracellular structures of the influenza virus. The virus is grown in chicken embryos and then processed and purified.

The vaccine was developed at the State scientific center- Institute of Immunology of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation. Its peculiarity is that the virus antigens are linked to a special carrier that has an immunostimulating effect. It's called polyoxidonium. It is associated with three variants of the viral antigen, belonging to groups A/H1N1, A/H3N2 and B. Like all influenza vaccines, the manufacturer Grippol periodically changes the antigenic structure of the vaccine in accordance with the epidemiological situation. That is, virologists annually monitor which strains of the influenza virus are most common in the current year and in next year the vaccine is updated if necessary.

"Grippol" has been approved for use since 1996. It is produced by the largest Russian association for the production of immunological drugs NPO Microgen. This class of vaccines has an optimal ratio of reactogenicity and immunogenicity. This means that immunity is developed quite quickly - within 10–14 days and with a minimum of side effects. Protective titers after vaccination are determined in 80–90% of vaccinated people, and immunity lasts for one year.

Application of "Grippol"

Instructions for using the Grippol vaccine are as follows.

The vaccine is stored in compliance with the temperature regime, the injection is carried out according to the rules of asepsis and antiseptics. Opened ampoules cannot be stored - they must be disposed of in the same way as syringes and used ampoules.

Actions after vaccination "Grippol"

There are no special restrictions after vaccination. People often ask, is it possible to swim after the Grippol vaccine? Yes, there are no contraindications to water procedures No. The only exception is if the temperature rises on the day of vaccination, especially in children. Then it is better to postpone swimming until tomorrow, so as not to accidentally become hypothermic after the bath.

Another question that plagues most men is the compatibility of “Grippol” and alcohol. No interaction was noted between them, but this does not mean that after vaccination you need to go and wash the event. All alcoholic drinks have a bad effect on health in general and on the formation of immunity in particular, so try to limit your alcohol intake over the next 1–2 weeks.

Side effects from the Grippol vaccine

"Grippol" is an inactivated vaccine. It does not contain live or whole cell virus. Therefore, complications after it occur very rarely.

Local reactions may manifest as redness and hardening of the injection site.
The temperature after the Grippol vaccination can rise to around 37–38 °C for 1–2 days.
May also be noted headache, runny nose, general malaise, weakness.

Side effects after the Grippol vaccination disappear within 24–48 hours and do not require medical intervention.

Very in rare cases an allergic reaction may develop to the administration of the vaccine, up to anaphylactic shock. Therefore, do not go far from the vaccination room immediately after the injection, but wait about half an hour.

The reaction to the Grippol vaccine in children is generally no different from that in adults. As a rule, children, even under three years of age, tolerate the vaccine very well. In some cases, side effects are possible - a slight increase in temperature, runny nose, general weakness which go away in 2–4 days. Approximately 10% of children experience swelling and pain at the injection site, which disappears after 2-3 days. In this case, it is advisable not to wet the injection site when swimming.

Contraindications "Grippol"

Contraindications to the use of the Grippol vaccine are as follows:

elevated temperature bodies;
any acute diseases infectious and non-infectious nature;
chronic diseases in the acute stage;
allergic reactions to previous vaccinations with Grippol and its analogues;
allergy to chicken egg white.

Analogues of "Grippol"

In addition to Grippol, there are other vaccines to prevent influenza. They can be alive or inactivated (killed). Inactivated vaccines may contain whole cells of the virus, its internal and external fragments, or only part of its shell. As already mentioned, “Grippol” refers to split vaccines, that is, it contains only fragments of the virus. The following vaccines are analogues of Grippol:

All these drugs are trivalent inactivated vaccines third generation. They consist of surface antigens of influenza viruses type A and B. Cultivation of the virus is carried out on chicken embryos. Strains are periodically updated by manufacturers according to WHO recommendations.

So, is it still worth getting the Grippol flu vaccine or not? In general, “Grippol” is a good domestic vaccine, in no way inferior imported analogues. The issue of vaccination must be considered individually. If you previously had a negative experience with the vaccine, and you do not have the flu, then it is better to refrain from going to the vaccination office. But if an acute respiratory infection attacks you every year, and even gives various complications- it’s better to get vaccinated. The same applies to people who are forced to come into contact with big amount visitors - it is better to play it safe by taking measures to prevent influenza and get vaccinated, especially since the Grippol vaccine is known to be well tolerated.