Influenza Virus Vaccine (By injection)
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Helps prevent infection with influenza (flu) virus.
Drug classes
Vaccine (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Influenza virus vaccine is used to prevent infection by the influenza viruses. The vaccine works by causing your body to produce its own protection (antibodies) against the disease. It is also known as a “flu shot”.
There are many kinds of influenza viruses, but not all will cause problems in any given year. Therefore, before the influenza vaccine is produced each year, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. and Canadian Public Health Services decide which viruses will most likely cause influenza infections for that year. The antigens, which are substances that cause protective antibodies to be formed, for these viruses are included in the influenza vaccine. Usually, the U.S. and Canada use the same influenza vaccine; however, they are not required to do so.
It is necessary to receive an influenza vaccine injection each year, since influenza infections are usually caused by different kinds of viruses and the protection gained by the vaccine lasts less than a year.
Influenza is a virus infection of the throat, bronchial tubes, and lungs. Influenza infection causes fever, chills, cough, headache, muscle aches, and pains in your back, arms, and legs. In addition, adults and children weakened by other diseases or medical conditions, and persons 50 years of age and over, even if they are healthy, may get a much more serious illness that may have to be treated in a hospital. Each year thousands of people die as a result of an influenza infection.
The best way to help prevent influenza infections is to get an influenza vaccination each year, usually in early November. Immunization (getting a vaccine) against influenza is approved for infants 6 months of age and older, all children, and all adults (including 65 years of age and older).
This vaccine is to be given only by or under the supervision of your doctor or other health care professional.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Injectable
The vaccine is given as a shot into a muscle or into your skin, usually in the shoulder area. The shot could be given in the thigh for babies and young children.
A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
A child who is younger than 9 years old and who has not had a flu shot before may need 2 shots. The second shot should be given about 1 month after the first.
Missed dose: Most people need only 1 dose of the vaccine. If your child needs a second dose, it is important for the vaccine to be given on schedule. If you must cancel an appointment, make a new one right away.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Tell your doctor if you are using a medicine or treatment that weakens your immune system, such as a steroid, radiation, or cancer treatment. This vaccine may not work as well if you are also using these medicines. However, your doctor may still want you to get the vaccine because it can give you some protection.
When Not To Use
This vaccine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to flu vaccine. If you are allergic to eggs, tell the caregiver who is going to give you the injection. Some brands of this vaccine contain egg proteins and could cause an allergic reaction.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or if you have a weak immune system.
Tell your doctor if you ever had an unusual reaction to a flu shot, such as Guillain-Barré syndrome, or if you are allergic to latex.
The flu vaccine may not protect everyone who receives it. This vaccine will not treat flu symptoms if you have already been infected with the virus.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Fainting, dizziness, or lightheadedness
Fever over 103 degrees F
Severe muscle weakness
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Headache, muscle pain, tiredness
Irritability or crying (in a child)
Redness, pain, swelling, soreness, or a lump where the shot was given
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Afiuria 2015-2016 Formula, Afluria 2014-2015 Formula, Afluria 2015-2016 Formula, FluLaval Quadrivalent 2015-2016 Formula, Fluarix, Fluarix Quadrivalent 2013-2014 Formula, Fluarix Quadrivalent 2014-2015 Formula, Fluarix Quadrivalent 2015-2016 Formula, Flublok 2014-2015 Formula, Flublok 2015-2016 Formula, Flucelvax 2015-2016 Formula, Flulaval Quadravalent 2013-2014 Season, Fluvirin, Fluvirin 2015-2016 Formula, Fluzone, Fluzone 2013-2014 Formula, Fluzone 2015-2016 Formula, Fluzone High Dose 2015-2016 Formula, Fluzone High-Dose 2015-2016 Formula, Fluzone Intradermal Quadrivalent 2014-2015 Formula, Fluzone Intradermal Quadrivalent 2015-2016 Formula
There may be other brand names for this medicine.