Drugs >  Influenza Virus Vaccine
Influenza Virus Vaccine
Pronunciation
Brand Names
Therapeutic Categories
Reasons not to take this medicine
What is this medicine used for?
How does it work?
How is it best taken?
What do I do if I miss a dose?
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
What are the common side effects of this medicine?
What should I monitor?
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
How should I store this medicine?
General statements

Pronunciation
(in floo EN za VYE rus vak SEEN)

Brand Names
FluShield®; Fluvirin®; Fluzone®

Therapeutic Categories
Vaccine

Reasons not to take this medicine
  • Do not give this medicine to an infant younger than 6 months of age.
  • If you have an allergy to influenza vaccine or any other part of this medicine.
  • If you have an allergy to eggs.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you have any of the following conditions: Guillain-Barré syndrome, high fever, or nerve disease.
  • If you have a weak immune system.
  • If you are taking a medicine that weakens your body's ability to fight off infection.

  • What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to prevent the "flu".

  • How does it work?
  • The influenza vaccine helps to protect you from the infection.

  • How is it best taken?
  • This medicine is given as a shot into the muscle.
  • This vaccine must be given every year to prevent the "flu".

  • What do I do if I miss a dose?
  • Call healthcare provider for appointment.

  • What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.

  • What are the common side effects of this medicine?
  • All serious side effects to this vaccine must be reported to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System. Ask your healthcare provider to file the report. You may also call to file a report at 1-800-822-7967.
  • A federal program is available to help care for you if you are harmed by this vaccine. If you have a serious reaction to this vaccine, call 1-800-338-2382 for information about this program.
  • Irritation where the shot is given.
  • Muscle pain.

  • What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?

  • Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Fast heartbeat.
  • Severe dizziness or passing out.
  • Hives.
  • Weakness.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

  • How should I store this medicine?
  • This medicine will be given to you in a healthcare setting. You will not store it at home.

  • General statements
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.

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