The duration of postvaccinal immunity varies but is usually 6 to 12 months. Protection afforded as a result of vaccination with Fluarix is specific to the influenza strains contained in Fluarix or to closely related strains. Influenza vaccine should be given routinely on an annual basis to individuals over 65 years of age. The risk to the elderly is greatest if they also have chronic cardiac or lung disease, and is increased for residents of nursing homes and other chronic care facilities. Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults over 50 years of age, because of the greatly increased risk of premature death from respiratory disease.
Annual vaccination is recommended for individuals who are in the following groups.
Children with cyanotic congenital heart diseases. Adults and children receiving immunosuppressive therapy. Residents of nursing homes and other chronic care facilities. Annual vaccinations should be considered for individuals who are in the following groups. In the event of a pandemic or other major outbreak, advice should be sought from the local health authority on the question of vaccination of medical and other staff at particular risk of exposure.