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Cell-based Trivalent Influenza Vaccine (Surface Antigen, Inactivated) Seqirus suspension for injection in pre-filled syringe

⚠ This medicine appears to have been discontinued

The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.

If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Influenza vaccine (surface antigen, inactivated) may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.

What it is and what it is used for

for

Cell-based Trivalent Influenza Vaccine Seqirus is a vaccine against flu (influenza). It is prepared in cell cultures, and, therefore, is egg-free. When a person is given the vaccine, the immune system (the body's natural defence system) will produce its own protection against the influenza virus. None of the ingredients in the vaccine can cause flu. Cell-based Trivalent Influenza Vaccine Seqirus is used to prevent flu in adults and children from 6 months of age. The vaccine targets three strains of influenza virus following the recommendations by the World Health Organisation for the 2025/2026 season. 2.

What you need to know before you take it

e Cell-based Trivalent Influenza Vaccine Seqirus

You should not receive Cell-based Trivalent Influenza Vaccine Seqirus: If you are allergic to:

  • the active ingredients or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6)
  • beta-propiolactone, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, or polysorbate 80, which are trace residues from the manufacturing process. Warnings and precautions Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse before receiving Cell-based Trivalent Influenza Vaccine Seqirus. 1

BEFORE receiving the vaccine

  • Your doctor or nurse will make sure that appropriate medical treatment and supervision is readily available in case of a rare anaphylactic reaction (a very severe allergic reaction with symptoms such as difficulty in breathing, dizziness, a weak and rapid pulse and skin rash) following the administration. This reaction may occur with Cell-based Trivalent Influenza Vaccine Seqirus as with all vaccines that are injected.
  • You should tell your doctor if you have an illness associated with fever. Your doctor may decide to delay your vaccination until your fever is gone.
  • You should tell your doctor if your immune system is impaired, or if you are undergoing treatment which affects the immune system, e.g. with medicine against cancer (chemotherapy) or corticosteroid medicines (see section "Other medicines and Cell-based Trivalent Influenza Vaccine Seqirus").
  • You should tell your doctor if you have a bleeding problem or bruise easily.
  • Fainting can occur following, or even before, any needle injection, therefore tell the doctor or nurse if you fainted with a previous injection. As with all vaccines, Cell-based Trivalent Influenza Vaccine Seqirus may not fully protect all persons who are vaccinated. Other medicines and Cell-based Trivalent Influenza Vaccine Seqirus suspension Tell your doctor or nurse if you are using, have recently used or might use any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription or if you have recently received any other vaccine. Cell-based Trivalent Influenza Vaccine Seqirus may be given at the same time as other vaccines. Pregnancy and breast-feeding Pregnancy: Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby. Influenza vaccines may be given in any trimester of pregnancy. Breast-feeding: Use of Cell-based Trivalent Influenza Vaccine Seqirus during breast-feeding has not been studied. No effects on breast fed babies are expected. The vaccine may be given during breast-feeding. Driving and using machines Cell-based Trivalent Influenza Vaccine Seqirus has no or negligible effect on your ability to drive and use machines. Cell-based Trivalent Influenza Vaccine Seqirus contains sodium chloride and potassium chloride This vaccine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per dose, i.e. essentially 'sodium free'. This vaccine contains potassium, less than 1 mmol (39 mg) per dose, i.e. essentially 'potassium free'. 3.

How to take it

This vaccine is given to you by your doctor or nurse as an injection into the muscle at the top of the upper arm (deltoid muscle). Adults and children from 6 months of age: One dose of 0.5 ml If your child is younger than 9 years of age and has not been previously vaccinated against flu, a second dose should be given after at least 4 weeks. 2

4.

Possible side effects

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. The following side effects have been reported during clinical trials and during general use: Very serious side effects Tell your doctor immediately or go to the casualty department at your nearest hospital if you experience the following side effect – you may need urgent medical attention or hospitalisation:

  • difficulty in breathing, dizziness, a weak and rapid pulse and skin rash which are symptoms of an anaphylactic reaction (a very severe allergic reaction) Serious side effects Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects – you may need medical attention:
  • You feel weak, you have difficulty moving around or you experience numbness or tingling in your limbs. These can be symptoms of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), an autoimmune disease caused by your body's own immune system.
  • Extensive swelling of injected limb Mild side effects Very common (may affect more than 1 in 10 people):
  • Injection site pain, bruising, reddening and hardening or swelling at the site of the injection
  • Headache
  • Muscle pain
  • Tiredness
  • Loss of appetite
  • Change in eating habits (only reported in children from 6 months to < 6 years)
  • Irritability (only reported in children from 6 months to < 6 years)
  • Sleepiness (only reported in children 6 months to < 6 years)
  • Diarrhoea
  • Fever (≥ 38°C) Hardening or swelling at the site of the injection, headache, muscle pain, and tiredness were common in the elderly. Bruising at the site of the injection was common in adults, elderly and children 9 to < 18 years. Headache was common in the elderly. Loss of appetite was common in adults, elderly and children 9 to < 18 years. Diarrhoea was reported as common in adults, elderly and children 6 years of age and older. Fever was uncommon in adults and elderly and common in children from 4 to < 18 years. Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):
  • Nausea, vomiting
  • Joint pain
  • Shivering Vomiting was uncommon in the elderly. Not known (frequency cannot be estimated from the available data):
  • Numbness and tingling sensation (paraesthesia)
  • Generalised skin reactions including itching, bumps on the skin (pruritis, urticaria) or non-specific rash Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme 3

Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine. 5.

How to store it

Cell-based Trivalent Influenza Vaccine Seqirus

Keep this vaccine out of the sight and reach of children. Store in a refrigerator (2 °C to 8 °C). Do not freeze. Keep the pre-filled syringe in the outer carton in order to protect from light. Do not use this vaccine after the expiry date which is stated on the label and carton after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment. 6.

Contents of the pack and other information

What Cell-based Trivalent Influenza Vaccine Seqirus contains –

The active substances are influenza virus surface antigens (haemagglutinin and neuraminidase), inactivated, of the following strains*: A/Wisconsin/67/2022 (H1N1)pdm09-like strain (A/Georgia/12/2022, CVR-167) 15 micrograms HA** A/District of Columbia/27/2023 (H3N2)-like strain (A/Victoria/800/2024, CVR-289) 15 micrograms HA** B/Austria/1359417/2021-like strain (B/Singapore/WUH4618/2021, wild type) 15 micrograms HA** per 0.5 ml dose ……………………………………….

  • propagated in Madin Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cells (this is the special cell culture inwhich the influenza virus is grown); ** haemagglutinin

This vaccine complies with the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendation (northern hemisphere) and EU recommendation for the 2025/2026 season. –

The other ingredients are: sodium chloride, potassium chloride, magnesium chloride hexahydrate, disodium phosphate dihydrate, potassium dihydrogen phosphate and water for injections.

What Cell-based Trivalent Influenza Vaccine Seqirus looks like and contents of the pack Cell-based Trivalent Influenza Vaccine Seqirus is a suspension for injection in a pre-filled syringe (ready to use syringe). Cell-based Trivalent Influenza Vaccine Seqirus is a clear to slightly opalescent suspension. A single syringe contains 0.5 ml of suspension for injection. Cell-based Trivalent Influenza Vaccine Seqirus is available in packs containing 1 pre-filled syringe with or without needle or 10 pre-filled syringes with or without needles. 4

Not all pack sizes may be marketed. Marketing Authorisation Holder Seqirus UK Ltd. Point, 29 Market Street Maidenhead SL6 8AA, UK Manufacturer Seqirus Vaccines Limited Gaskill Road, Speke L24 9GR Liverpool United Kingdom This leaflet was last revised in 08/2025 ————————————————————————————————————————–The following information is intended for healthcare professionals only: Appropriate medical treatment and supervision should always be readily available in case of a rare anaphylactic event following the administration of the vaccine. Shake before use. After shaking, the normal appearance of the vaccine is a clear to slightly opalescent suspension. The vaccine should be visually inspected for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration. In the event of any foreign particulate matter and/or variation of physical aspect being observed, do not administer the vaccine.

5

Frequently asked questions about Cell-based Trivalent Influenza Vaccine (Surface Antigen, Inactivated) Seqirus suspension for injection in pre-filled syringe

How do I take Cell-based Trivalent Influenza Vaccine (Surface Antigen, Inactivated) Seqirus suspension for injection in pre-filled syringe?

Cell-based Trivalent Influenza Vaccine (Surface Antigen, Inactivated) Seqirus suspension for injection in pre-filled syringe comes as oral solution. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.

What is the active substance in Cell-based Trivalent Influenza Vaccine (Surface Antigen, Inactivated) Seqirus suspension for injection in pre-filled syringe?

The active substance in Cell-based Trivalent Influenza Vaccine (Surface Antigen, Inactivated) Seqirus suspension for injection in pre-filled syringe is influenza vaccine (surface antigen, inactivated).

Are there equivalent medicines to Cell-based Trivalent Influenza Vaccine (Surface Antigen, Inactivated) Seqirus suspension for injection in pre-filled syringe?

Medicines with the same active substance, strength and form include: Adjuvanted Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine (Surface Antigen, Inactivated) Seqirus suspension for injection in pre-filled syringe Influenza vaccine, Adjuvanted with MF59C.1, Adjuvanted Trivalent Influenza Vaccine (Surface Antigen, Inactivated) Seqirus suspension for injection in pre-filled syringe, Adjuvanted Zoonotic Influenza Vaccine (Surface Antigen, Inactivated) Seqirus suspension for injection in pre‐filled syringe. In total there are 4 equivalent products. They are interchangeable only if your prescriber or pharmacist says so.

Where does this information come from?

This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Cell-based Trivalent Influenza Vaccine (Surface Antigen, Inactivated) Seqirus suspension for injection in pre-filled syringe, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.

Can I get Cell-based Trivalent Influenza Vaccine (Surface Antigen, Inactivated) Seqirus suspension for injection in pre-filled syringe without a prescription?

Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.

About this leaflet

The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.

  • Source: electronic medicines compendium (emc), Datapharm
  • Active substance: influenza vaccine (surface antigen, inactivated)
  • Official document: view the original leaflet on emc →
Medical disclaimer: This page is for information only and does not replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always read the leaflet supplied with your medicine. If you are unwell, call NHS 111; in an emergency, call 999.

Medicines with the same active substance: Influenza vaccine (surface antigen, inactivated) (5 medicines)
See every medicine containing this substance, or browse the full A–Z of active substances.
⚕For healthcare professionals — Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)Full SmPC: dosage, interactions, contraindications, warnings+
Technical information intended for healthcare professionals (doctors and pharmacists). The Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) is the official document approved by the MHRA/EMA. It does not replace the patient leaflet or a doctor’s advice.

4.1. Therapeutic indications

Prophylaxis of influenza in adults and children from 6 months of age.

Cell-based Trivalent Influenza Vaccine Seqirus should be used in accordance with official recommendations.

4.2. Posology and method of administration

Posology

Adults and children from 6 months of age:

Age Group

Dose

Schedule

6 months to < 9 years

One or twoa 0.5 mL doses

If 2 doses, administer at least 4 weeks apart

9 years of age and older

One 0.5 mL dose

Not applicable

a Children less than 9 years of age who have not been previously vaccinated against influenza, should receive a second dose.

The safety and efficacy of Cell-based Trivalent Influenza Vaccine Seqirus in children from birth to less than 6 months of age has not been established.

Method of administration

For intramuscular injection only.

The preferred site for injection is the deltoid muscle of the upper arm. Young children with insufficient deltoid mass should be vaccinated in the anterolateral aspect of the thigh.

The vaccine must not be injected intravenously, subcutaneously or intradermally and must not be mixed with other vaccines in the same syringe.

For instructions on the handling of the vaccine before administration, see section 6.6.

4.3. Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to the active substance, to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1, or to possible trace residues such as beta-propiolactone, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, and polysorbate 80.

4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use

Traceability

In order to improve the traceability of biological medicinal products, the name and the batch number of the administered product should be clearly recorded.

Appropriate medical treatment and supervision should always be readily available in case of a rare anaphylactic event following the administration of the vaccine.

Vaccination should be postponed in patients with febrile illness until the fever is resolved.

As with all injectable vaccines, Cell-based Trivalent Influenza Seqirus must be administered with caution to individuals with thrombocytopenia or a bleeding disorder since bleeding may occur following an intramuscular administration.

Syncope (fainting) can occur following, or even before, any vaccination as a psychogenic response to the needle injection. This can be accompanied by several neurological signs such as transient visual disturbance, paraesthesia and tonic-clonic limb movements during recovery. It is important that procedures are in place to avoid injury from faints.

Antibody response in patients with endogenous or iatrogenic immunosuppression may be insufficient to prevent influenza.

A protective immune response may not be elicited in all vaccine recipients.

4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

Cell-based Trivalent Influenza Vaccine Seqirus can be given at the same time as other vaccines, including COVID vaccines. If it is to be used at the same time as another vaccine, it should be administered at separate injection sites and preferably on different limbs. It should be noted that the adverse reactions may be intensified.

4.6. Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy

Inactivated influenza vaccines, such as Cell-based Trivalent Influenza Vaccine Seqirus, can be given in any stage of pregnancy. Larger safety datasets are available on vaccine use during the second or third trimester, compared with the first trimester; however, data from a prospective pregancy exposure registry in 665 women vaccinated with Cell-based Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine Seqirus during all stages of pregnancy, and worldwide use of influenza vaccines do not indicate any adverse foetal, newborn, pregnancy and maternal outcomes attributable to the vaccine.

Reproductive and developmental toxicology data do not predict an increased risk of developmental abnormalities.

Breast-feeding

It is unknown whether the vaccine is excreted in human milk. No effects on breast fed newborn/infant are anticipated. Cell-based Trivalent Influenza Vaccine Seqirus may be given during lactation.

Fertility

No human fertility data are available. Animal data have not shown effects on female fertility. Male fertility has not been assessed in animals.

4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines

Cell-based Trivalent Influenza Vaccine Seqirus has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines.

4.8. Undesirable effects

Summary of the safety profile

Data for Cell-based Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine Seqirus are relevant to Cell-based Trivalent Influenza Vaccine Seqirus because both vaccines are manufactured using the same process and have overlapping compositions.

Adults 18 years and older

In a randomised clinical trial, safety was evaluated in 1 334 adults who received Cell-based Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine Seqirus and 1 346 adults who received Cell-based Trivalent Influenza Vaccine Seqirus formulations.

The most commonly reported (≥10%) reactions in adult subjects were pain at the injection site (34%), headache (14%), fatigue (16%), myalgia (12%), injection site erythema (13%) and injection site induration (10%).

The incidence of some adverse reactions were considerably lower among subjects ≥ 65 years of age when compared to subjects 18 to < 65 years of age (see table below).

Tabulated list of adverse reactions

Adverse reactions reported are listed according to the following frequency categories: Very common (≥1/10); Common (≥1/100 to <1/10); Uncommon (≥1/1,000 to <1/100), not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).

Table 1: Adverse reactions reported following vaccination in adults 18 years and older in clinical trials and post‑marketing surveillance.

MedDRA System Organ class

Very common

(≥1/10)

Common

(≥1/100 to <1/10)

Uncommon

(≥1/1,000 to <1/100)

Frequency not known3

Immune system disorders

Allergic or immediate hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylactic shock

Metabolism and nutrition disorders

Loss of appetite

Nervous system disorders

Headache1

Paraesthesia, Guillain-Barre Syndrome

Gastrointestinal disorders

Nausea, Diarrhoea, Vomiting2

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders

Generalised skin reactions including pruritus, urticaria or non-specific rash

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders

Myalgia1

Arthralgia

General disorders and administration site conditions

Injection site pain, Fatigue1, Injection site erythema, Injection site induration1

Injection site ecchymosis, Chills

Fever (≥ 38°C)

Extensive swelling of injected limb

1 Reported as Common in the elderly population 65 years of age and older

2 Reported as Uncommon in the elderly population 65 years of age and older

3 Adverse reactions reported from post-marketing surveillance

Paediatric population (6 months to less than 18 years of age)

The safety of Cell-based Quadrivalent and Trivalent Influenza Vaccines Seqirus has been evaluated in four randomised clinical trials. In these trials, 5 221 subjects 6 months to less than 6 years of age and 2 649 subjects 6 years to less than 18 years of age received Cell-based Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine Seqirus; 1 173 children 4 years to less than 18 years received Cell-based Trivalent Influenza Vaccine Seqirus.

The most common (≥10%) local and systemic adverse reactions after any vaccination in children 6 months to less than 6 years of age were tenderness at the injection site (54%), irritability (28%), sleepiness (27%), injection site erythema (26%), injection site induration (22%), diarrhoea (18%), change in eating habits (17%), injection site ecchymosis (12%) and fever (11%).

The most common (≥10%) local and systemic adverse reactions after any vaccination in children 6 years to less than 18 years of age were pain at the injection site (69%), injection site erythema (26%), headache (23%), injection site induration (22%), fatigue (19%), myalgia (18%), injection site ecchymosis (11%) and loss of appetite (11%).

Compared to adults 18 years of age and older, paediatric subjects generally reported higher rates of local and systemic adverse reactions.

In children who received a second vaccine dose the incidence of adverse reactions following the second dose was similar or slightly lower to that observed after the first dose.

The highest frequency of adverse reactions in children 6 months to less than 18 years of age in paediatric clinical studies are described in Table 2 below.

Table 2: Solicited adverse reactions reported in clinical studies in children 6 months to < 18 years of age

MedDRA system organ class

Very Common

Common

6 months to < 6 years

Gastrointestinal disorders

Diarrhoea

Vomiting

General disorders and administration site conditions

Injection site tenderness, injection site erythema, injection site induration, injection site ecchymosis, sleepiness, irritability, change in eating habits, fever (≥38° C)

Chills/Shivering

6 years to < 18 years

Metabolism and nutrition disorders

Loss of appetite

Nervous system disorders

Headache

Gastrointestinal disorders

Nausea

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders

Myalgia

Arthralgia

General disorders and administration site conditions

Injection site pain, injection site erythema, injection site induration, injection site ecchymosis, fatigue

Chills/Shivering, fever (≥38° C)

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.

4.9. Overdose

There are no data for overdose with Cell-based Trivalent Influenza Vaccine Seqirus.

💬 Ask about this leaflet

Ask anything about Cell-based Trivalent Influenza Vaccine (Surface Antigen, Inactivated) Seqirus suspension for injection in pre-filled syringe. The assistant answers only from this leaflet — if the leaflet does not cover it, it will say so. It does not give medical advice.

Answers come from the patient leaflet published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). They are not medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.

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