Influenza virus vaccine (intradermal route, intramuscular route)
Available brands
Afluria 2015-2016 Formula, Fluarix Quadrivalent 2013-2014 Formula, Fluarix Quadrivalent 2015-2016 Formula, Flucelvax 2015-2016 Formula, Flulaval Quadravalent 2013-2014 Season, FluLaval Quadrivalent 2015-2016 Formula, Fluvirin 2015-2016 Formula, Fluzone 2013-2014 Formula, Fluzone 2015-2016 Formula, Fluzone High Dose 2015-2016 Formula, Fluzone Intradermal Quadrivalent 2014-2015 Formula, Fluzone Intradermal Quadrivalent 2015-2016 Formula
About this medication
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 for less than a year. Influenza is a virus infection of the throat, bronchial tubes, and lungs. It 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 older, 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 direct supervision of your doctor or other health care professional. This product is available in the following dosage forms:
Before using this medication
In deciding to use a vaccine, the risks of taking the vaccine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this vaccine, the following should be considered: Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully. Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects ofAgriflu®, Fluzone® High-Dose, Fluzone® Intradermal,orFluzone® Intradermal Quadrivalentin the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established. Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects ofFluvirin®in children younger than 4 years of age. Safety and efficacy have not been established. Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects ofAfluria®, Afluria® Quadrivalent, Fluarix®, Fluarix® Quadrivalent, Flucelvax® Quadrivalent, Flulaval®, Flulaval® Quadrivalent, Fluzone®,orFluzone® Quadrivalentin children younger than 6 months of age. Safety and efficacy have not been established. Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of influenza virus vaccine in the elderly. Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects ofFluzone® IntradermalorFluzone® Intradermal Quadrivalentin the geriatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established. There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding. Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are receiving this vaccine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive. Receiving this vaccine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines. Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco. The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this vaccine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
How to use this medication
A nurse or other trained health professional will give you or your child this vaccine. It is given as a shot into one of your muscles or into your skin, usually in the upper arm. Sometimes there is not enough flu vaccine for everyone. If this happens and you are a healthy adult, you might need to wait until later in the flu season before getting your vaccination. You need to get the flu vaccine every year to protect you from the flu. Some children may need a second dose of the vaccine. If your child needs a second dose of the vaccine, it is very important for your child to receive the second dose on schedule. If you must cancel the appointment, make another appointment as soon as possible. Fluzone® Intradermal QuadrivalentandFluzone® Quadrivalentcome with a patient information leaflet. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Disclaimer: August is a health information platform and its responses don't constitute medical advise. Always consult with a licenced medical professional near you before making any changes.