Uses of Influenza Virus Vaccine:

• It is used to prevent the flu.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Influenza Virus Vaccine?

• If you are allergic to influenza virus vaccine (inactivated); any part of influenza virus vaccine (inactivated); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.

This medicine may interact with other drugs or health problems.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take influenza virus vaccine (inactivated) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Influenza Virus Vaccine?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take influenza virus vaccine (inactivated). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• If you have a latex allergy, talk with your doctor.
• If you are allergic to eggs, talk with the doctor.
• This medicine may not protect all people who use it. Talk with the doctor.
• This medicine is a vaccine with a virus that is not active. It cannot cause the disease.
• This medicine is not a cure for the flu. It must be given before you are exposed to the flu in order to work. Most of the time, it takes a few weeks for influenza virus vaccine (inactivated) to work.
• This medicine only protects you for 1 flu season. You will need to get the flu vaccine each year.
• Not all brands of vaccines are for all children. Talk with your child's doctor.
• Some children may need to have more than 1 dose of this vaccine. Talk with your child's doctor.
• Some children have had a fever and seizures caused by fevers with some flu vaccines. Most of the time, this happened in children younger than 5 years of age. Fever has also been seen in children 5 to younger than 9 years of age. Talk with your child's doctor.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.

How is this medicine (Influenza Virus Vaccine) best taken?

Use influenza virus vaccine (inactivated) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• It is given as a shot into a muscle.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Call your doctor to find out what to do.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• A burning, numbness, or tingling feeling that is not normal.
• Not able to move face muscles as much.
• Trouble controlling body movements.
• Very bad dizziness or passing out.
• Muscle weakness.
• Seizures.
• Change in eyesight.

What are some other side effects of Influenza Virus Vaccine?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

For all patients taking influenza virus vaccine (inactivated):

• Pain, redness, or swelling where the shot was given.
• Headache.
• Muscle or joint pain.
• Feeling tired or weak.

Young children:

• Mild fever.
• Upset stomach or throwing up.
• Stomach pain or diarrhea.
• Not hungry.
• Feeling sleepy.
• Feeling fussy.
• Crying that is not normal.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Influenza Virus Vaccine?

• If you need to store influenza virus vaccine (inactivated) at home, talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to store it.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about influenza virus vaccine (inactivated), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Frequently asked questions

• How can I get a flu vaccine without a needle?
• How and where is a flu shot injection given?
• What flu vaccine can I use with an egg allergy?
• How well does the flu vaccine work?
• Where can I get the flu vaccine right now?

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