Flu (Influenza) Vaccine
The influenza vaccine reduces your risk of getting influenza or the flu. The flu causes fever, head and body aches, coughing and a stuffy or runny nose. A healthcare provider will give you this injection into a muscle.
Who Should Get the Flu Vaccine?
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Everyone 6 months of age and older (unless contraindicated).
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Especially important for:
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Children under 5
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Adults 65+
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Pregnant individuals
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People with chronic diseases (asthma, diabetes, heart disease)
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Healthcare workers
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Residents of long-term care facilities
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Side Effects
Generally mild:
Soreness at injection site
Low-grade fever
Fatigue
Rare:
Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)
Guillain-Barré Syndrome (extremely rare)
What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- bleeding disorder like hemophilia
- fever or infection
- Guillain-Barre syndrome or other neurological problems
- immune system problems
- infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or AIDS
- low blood platelet counts
- multiple sclerosis
- an unusual or allergic reaction to influenza virus vaccine, latex, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives. Different brands of vaccines contain different allergens. Some may contain latex or eggs. Talk to your doctor about your allergies to make sure that you get the right vaccine.
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
How should I use this medication?
This vaccine is for injection into a muscle or under the skin. It is given by a health care professional.
A copy of Vaccine Information Statements will be given before each vaccination. Read this sheet carefully each time. The sheet may change frequently.
Talk to your healthcare provider to see which vaccines are right for you. Some vaccines should not be used in all age groups.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
