Every year in the autumn-winter period, the problem of epidemics of acute respiratory infections and influenza arises. The incidence is constantly growing, and the situation is complicated by the mutation of viruses. Influenza is a disease with severe symptoms, a high risk of serious complications and alarming mortality rates. The only reliable method of combating infection today is vaccination.
The Ultrix anti-influenza vaccine is a safe, modern fourth-generation drug that creates stable immunity to viral infection and practically does not cause adverse reactions. The preventive vaccination created by Russian immunologists is successfully used by doctors along with foreign analogues.
Flu vaccination is provided for in the National Vaccination Calendar, but is not one of the mandatory activities. At the same time, most doctors are inclined to support the need for vaccination, citing the annual high mortality rates from this disease.
Vaccinal prevention
Vaccine prevention remains the main method of combating influenza. The pharmaceutical industry provides vaccines in sufficient quantities to allow choice. Both foreign and domestic drugs are available. These include Ultrix. In order to choose a specific vaccine, you need to understand what it is, how it functions and what side effects it can cause.
The instructions for use for the Ultrix flu vaccine are very detailed.
Vaccine characteristics
In order to understand what the Ultrix vaccine is, you need to read its description. This is an anti-flu remedy that can be used for seasonal prevention of the disease. “Ultrix” is an inactivated vaccine, in which the virus bodies are killed with a special solution, as well as a split vaccine, where the viruses are broken down into separate proteins.
Killed vaccines have an undeniable advantage compared to live ones - they cause fewer side effects, and splitting allows the body to better recognize each antigen and provide appropriate protection. Of all the proteins that are obtained during the breakdown of virus particles, the vaccine contains only a few: neuraminidase and hemagglutinin. These are the most important internal and external protein elements that are responsible for the introduction and further reproduction of the virion (the viral extracellular form that is in a state of anticipation).
"Ultrix" includes the following strains of influenza virus: B, A (H3N2); A(H1N1).
The strains of viruses that make up the vaccine change every year. Every year, WHO predicts what type of flu will be circulating that year. Almost every year, Ultrix contains the H1N1 strain of the influenza virus. The virus that causes this virus is known to everyone as swine flu. It is included in the vaccine every year for a reason, but because such influenza is dangerous due to its complications. It progresses very quickly, causing severe pneumonia within a few days. This type of flu causes a much higher mortality rate than the normal form of the disease.
In addition to neuraminidase and hemagglutinin, the Ultrix vaccine includes merthiolate, that is, a preservative that allows it to be stored for a long period. Vaccines also exist without preservatives, but they are intended for rapid use.
Ultrix is produced by a Russian biopharmaceutical company. The drug is the fourth generation of vaccines, that is, it is of quite high quality and safe.
Indications for vaccination
The instructions for use of Ultrix state that the indication for its use is the prevention of influenza in any category of patients. However, it is especially necessary to highlight such population groups that especially need vaccination:
- often sick adults and children;
- people with chronic pathologies;
- people who, due to their profession, come into contact with the population;
- medical workers.
Contraindications
According to the instructions for use, Ultrix, like any medicine, has its own limitations in use. Contraindications to its implementation are as follows:
- identified allergic reaction to previous administrations of influenza vaccines or their components;
- patient age up to six years;
- exacerbation of chronic diseases or high fever.
If a person experiences an increase in temperature caused by any reason, or an exacerbation of any disease, this does not mean that Ultrix is generally prohibited. You can get vaccinated immediately after the temperature returns to normal or the disease goes into remission.
Drug interactions
Ultrix Quadri is allowed to be administered simultaneously with other live and inactivated vaccines provided for by the National Preventive Vaccination Calendar (except for tuberculosis vaccines), as well as together with inactivated vaccines planned by the Preventive Vaccination Calendar for epidemiological indications (except for rabies vaccines). In this case, the medical professional must take into account the contraindications for each vaccine indicated in the official instructions. All prescribed drugs are administered with different syringes into different parts of the body.
For patients undergoing basic therapy for the underlying disease, influenza vaccination is not contraindicated.
In patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy (radiotherapy, cytotoxic drugs, glucocorticosteroids), Ultrix Quadri may be less effective.
During pregnancy
The use of the vaccine during pregnancy is not prohibited by the instructions, but it is said that no studies have been conducted for this category of patients. However, the order of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation dated March 21, 2014 No. 125 on the approval of the Russian calendar of preventive vaccines lists risk groups for influenza, and they include pregnant women. That is why women during pregnancy are allowed to be vaccinated, however, only after consulting an obstetrician-gynecologist.
Instructions for use
All people from the age of twelve can be vaccinated with Ultrix. You do not have to be in a risk group to get vaccinated. You just need to want to do it.
The pediatrician or therapist at the clinic must give a referral for vaccination. It is necessary to get vaccinated before the flu season begins - in early winter or fall. Before vaccination, you should see a specialist for an examination and temperature measurement. The Ultrix vaccine is given in the deltoid brachialis muscle.
It is not recommended to get the injection site wet on the first day; it is also advisable not to visit crowded places and not to come into contact with those who suffer from acute respiratory infections.
Influenza vaccination is provided for in the national vaccination calendar and is supposed to be done free of charge. However, different vaccines are delivered to all health facilities. Despite the fact that Ultrix is among the free ones, this particular vaccine is not available in all clinics. If you want to choose just such a remedy, but it is not available in the vaccination office, you can purchase it yourself at the pharmacy.
As the instructions for use indicate, the Ultrix vaccine from Fort is available in the form of ready-made syringes or ampoules for injection. A pack of ampoules is used for mass immunization; an injection syringe is suitable for single use. The amount of the drug is 0.5 milliliters. When purchasing, you should pay attention to the expiration date. The vaccine can only be stored for a year; using an expired product is dangerous.
The product must be stored and transported in certain conditions, from 2 to 8 degrees Celsius, so you need to stock up on a cooling container or ice packs.
special instructions
Ultrix Quadri should not be administered intravenously.
Immediately before vaccination, patients are examined by a doctor (paramedic) with mandatory thermometry. You should not get the Ultrix Quadri vaccine if your body temperature exceeds 37 °C.
Vaccination is mandatory in rooms equipped with anti-shock therapy. Vaccinated persons are provided with close medical supervision for 30 minutes after injection.
Used syringes/vials, unused packages that have expired or are unsuitable for use must be disposed of in accordance with the requirements of current legislation.
Impact on the ability to drive vehicles and complex mechanisms
The components of Ultrix Quadri do not have a negative effect on the speed of reactions, clarity of visual perception and the ability to concentrate.
Side effects
The instructions for use for the Ultrix vaccine indicate the following expected reactions to the vaccine:
- swelling, pain, redness in the injection area;
- dizziness;
- high fatigue;
- headaches;
- temperature rise to subfebrile levels;
- sore throat, runny nose, cough;
- joint and muscle pain;
- nausea;
- allergies (itching, rash, development of angioedema, anaphylactic shock).
Allergic reactions to vaccination are very rare. Other side effects of the vaccine disappear after a few days without treatment.
Studies have been carried out showing excellent tolerability of the drug. Reviews about it also indicate that reactions occur rarely. Only sometimes local manifestations appear on the body.
Vaccine effectiveness
Instructions for use of Ultrix for children and adults must be strictly followed.
The vaccine creates specific immunity in vaccinated people against a number of influenza strains. It is formed two to three weeks after the administration of the drug. Immunity against influenza lasts up to one year.
“Ultrix” is 94% effective against the H1N1 virus (swine flu), 86% against H3N2, and 90% against type B influenza. Protection in children was formed after vaccination in the following values: 70% from H1N1, 50% from H3N2, 70% from B. In older people, the protective reaction is more pronounced. A study was conducted in schools in the Moscow region, as a result of which it was found that among children vaccinated with Ultrix, the incidence of influenza decreased by 4.7 times, and other types of ARVI - by 1.4 times. The study of the incidence of acute respiratory viral infections, other than influenza, was carried out for a reason. A number of viruses that cause ARVI contain neuraminidase, that is, an antigen found in the Ultrix vaccine. That is why specific developed immunity produces protection both from influenza and from a number of other respiratory viruses.
A study to study the number of side effects from the use of the drug showed that some vaccinated people (0.8%) had weak local reactions to the vaccine, 2.8 had general reactions in the form of cough, runny nose, low-grade body temperature, 0.4 may combine local and general symptoms.
This is confirmed by the instructions for use for Ultrix from Fort.
Pharmacological properties
The inactivated influenza vaccine Ultrix has an immunostimulating pharmacological effect. In other words, the composition in question, with correct administration and correctly calculated dosage, forms in a person stable specific immunity to viruses of type A and B.
After intramuscular administration of the vaccine, 10-14 days later, in the absence of a sharp negative reaction of the body to the components of the composition, active division of antibody cells occurs. This process is completed when immunity to specific influenza viruses is fully formed.
The protective properties last for 10-12 months from the date of vaccination (the specific duration is determined by the individual characteristics of a person’s health).
Thanks to them, even if the human body encounters the flu, being already familiar with the aggressive microflora, it will quickly overcome the virus, thus minimizing the severity of the disease (in particular, vaccination virtually eliminates the risk of damage to the brain and cardiovascular system in children due to past influenza).
Ultrix is considered one of the most effective vaccines, since its composition includes not only surface, but also internal antigens of influenza strains.
Reviews
Experts speak positively about the vaccine, but in medical practice there have been cases of side effects.
In rare cases, dizziness, fever, general fatigue, swelling near the puncture area, pain and redness are noted.
It must be said that no cases of significant complications associated with the vaccine have been identified. If the product is used correctly and the patient is thoroughly examined beforehand, the possibility of even minor negative consequences is minimized.
In our country, tens of millions of people suffer from ARVI and influenza every year. Influenza often causes significant complications in various organ systems of the patient. Taking into account statistical information, vaccination is the optimal way to protect against the most common strains of the disease.
Where to do it in Moscow?
Today in Moscow, vaccination can be carried out in public and commercial clinics, as well as every year, several months before the start of the infection season, in vaccine vehicles that are on duty near 12 metro stations. In public medical institutions and in vaccine vehicles, people are more often vaccinated with Grippol Plus. Ultrix or foreign vaccines are offered mainly by commercial clinics.
You can get vaccinated with Ultrix in Moscow in the following clinics:
- Miracle Doctor.
- Family.
- Diavax.
- Dawn.
- ABC Medicine.
- Preamble.
- H-Clinic.
- SanMedExpert.
Vaccination with Ultrix is not free, and the price is quite high - it ranges from 600 rubles. (excluding the cost of a doctor’s examination to confirm the safety of administration). Anyone can receive a vaccination procedure with another drug absolutely free in vaccine vehicles. This procedure will not take much time and can be done on the way home or to work.
BUT! It is worth knowing that many specialized experts have a negative attitude towards this idea of vaccinating the population.
Not every vaccine mobile health worker can assess the patient’s health status, and he or she may not know whether the patient has any contraindications to the procedure. There is also an open question about sanitary and hygienic standards in these conditions. In addition, free vaccines are not as safe as Ultrix. The choice of vaccine and place of vaccination depends only on the decision and financial capabilities of the patient.
See also:
Will jaundice occur after Hepatitis B vaccination?
conclusions
Ultrix is a fourth generation flu vaccine. It can be inactivated, which increases the safety of use, and split, which creates stable immunity with a low number of side effects. According to the instructions, Ultrix can be used by patients after the age of twelve, but actual studies show safety from the age of six. Elderly people should be vaccinated to reduce the likelihood of infection.
We reviewed the instructions for use for the Ultrix flu vaccine.
Analogs
The closest analogues of the inactivated Ultrix vaccine (interchangeability is acceptable) are:
| Drug name | a brief description of |
| Vaxigrip | Inactivated influenza vaccine, split type. Approved for use in the formation of stable immunity in children from 6 months. The main disadvantage is the development of an immune response to only 3 strains of influenza. When administering Vaxigrip to a person for the first time, the doctor should make sure that a standard set of medications is available to assist the patient in the event of an anaphylactic reaction in the body. |
| Influvac | Inactivated influenza vaccine, subunit type. It is approved for use in the formation of stable immunity in children from 6 months. Forms protection against influenza infections type A and B. The peculiarity of this vaccine is the minimum number of contraindications and the rarity of side effects. Influvac can be administered to nursing mothers, regardless of the amount of time that has passed since birth. |
