Influenza Virus Vaccine (Injection)

Influenza Virus Vaccine (in-floo-EN-za VYE-rus vak-SEEN)

Prevents infection caused by influenza viruses (the flu).

Brand Name(s):

Fluzone, Fluzone Preservative-Free Pediatric, Fluvirin, Flushield
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not receive this vaccine if you have had an allergic reaction to any flu shot, or if you are allergic to eggs. you should not receive this vaccine if you have ever had Guillain-Barre syndrome, if you have a severe illness with fever, or if you have lung disease. This vaccine is not recommended for babies younger than 6 months of age.

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• This medicine is given as a shot into one of your muscles. A flu shot is given once every year, between October and November. The influenza vaccine must be repeated each year to protect you from the flu.
• Because the supply of this vaccine may be low in certain years, you may need to wait until December or January to receive the vaccine. Vaccines may also be delayed in your area if you live in a warm climate. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about this.
• If vaccine supply is low, shots are usually reserved for people who may develop serious medical problems if they caught the flu virus. This includes people 65 and older, people living in nursing homes, people with chronic medical conditions (lung or heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, blood disorders), people with weak immune systems (caused by HIV/AIDS infection, certain medicines, chemotherapy, radiation), and women who will be in the second or third trimester of pregnancy during the flu season.
• Children under 9 years may receive 2 shots given at least one month apart.
• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.

If a dose is missed:

• It is important that you receive this vaccine early in the flu season (October to November). If you miss your appointment for receiving the vaccine, make another appointment as soon as possible.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Influenza vaccine should not be given within 3 days of a pertussis ("whooping cough") vaccine (such as DTP).
• Before you receive this vaccine, make sure the nurse knows if you are using blood thinners (Coumadin®), theophylline, or medicine for seizures (such as Depakote®, Dilantin®, Keppra™, Tegretol®).
• This vaccine may not work as well if you receive it while you are also using cancer medicines or steroids (such as prednisone). However, your doctor may still want you to get the shot.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Before you receive this vaccine, make sure the nurse knows if you have HIV or AIDS, or if you have ever had a mild but unusual reaction (such as a skin rash), after receiving a flu shot.
• The side effects of influenza vaccine are more common in infants and children.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
• Fever over 103 degrees F
• Severe muscle pain or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Redness, tenderness, or a small lump where the shot was given
• Mild fever

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.