Vaccines, Sera and Other Immunological Agents 443Varicella vaccine is a lyophilized
preparation of the Oka strain of live
attenuated varicella virus obtained by
propagation of the virus in MRC 5 human
diploid cell culture.
Varicella vaccine produces an attenu-
ated clinically inapparent varicella infec-
tion in susceptible subjects.
Adverse effects include mild and
transient reaction at the site of injection,
headache, fever, paraesthesia and fatigue.
It is indicated for active immunisation
against varicella in healthy subjects from
the age of 12 months onwards. Susceptible
healthy close contacts (parents and siblings
of high-risk patients, medical, paramedical
personnel and other people who are in close
contact with varicella patients) should be
immunised in order to reduce the risk of
transmission of virus to high-risk patients.
FLU VACCINE (HIBERIX)
Influenza vaccine contains antigens
from two or three of the currently
circulating types of flu virus.
Vaccination is recommended for elderly
people particularly those with heart, lung
or kidney disease. Flu vaccination has to
be repeated before each winter because of
the possible changes in virus types.
MENINGOCOCCAL VACCINE
(MENCEVAX A & C)
This vaccine is recommended for both
adults and children to protect them from
Meningococcal meningitis.
A single dose of vaccine provides good
protection against infection caused by
meningococci. Regular revaccinations are
required for long-term protection.
Adverse effects include low grade
fever and pain at injection site.
It is indicated for prophylaxis against
cerebrospinal meningitis due to meningo-
cocci A & C groups by SC or IM route in
single 0.5 ml dose.PNEUMOCOCCAL VACCINE
(PNEUMO 23)
This vaccine is recommended for those
who are at risk of pneumococcal
pneumonia. A single dose of vaccine gives
protection against infection. Revaccination
is required at a later date.
It is prepared from purified pneumo-
coccal capsular antigens and includes 23
serotypes which are responsible for at least
85% of pneumococcal infections and has
greater than 90% coverage against sero-
types that are penicillin resistant.
Adverse effects include hypersensitiv-
ity, redness, slight pain and induration at
the site of injection. Rarely fever may occur.
It is indicated in prevention of
pneumococcal infections, particularly
those of respiratory origin in all subjects
over the age of two years who are at risk of
serious pneumococcal infection.RABIES VACCINE (RABIPUR)
Commonly known as treatment for dog
bite. Rabies is usually caused by the bite of
infected dog, monkey, cat, etc. and can lead
to hydrophobia (feeling of fear of water)
and death. A series of five injections need
to be given. Usually rabies vaccine is given
once the dog bite has already taken place.
Rabies vaccines which are used for ac-
tive immunisation against rabies may be