Influenza Virus Vaccine injection

What is influenza virus vaccine?

INFLUENZA VIRUS VACCINE (Fluarix™ and Fluzone®), or 'the flu shot,' helps to reduce the risk of getting the 'flu.' The 'flu' is an infection caused by the influenza virus. The flu virus spreads from an infected person to the nose or throat of other people. People with the flu may have aches, cold-like symptoms, fever, or more serious illness. The 'flu season' in the U.S. is from November through April each year. The flu vaccine provides protection for about 6—12 months. A yearly vaccine is required to prevent infection from the flu virus during each flu season. People may still catch the flu even if they get the vaccine, but they usually have a milder case of the flu than people who do not get the shot. The viruses in the vaccine are not active, so you cannot get a flu infection from the vaccine. Many brands of influenza virus vaccine are available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• bleeding disorder

• fever or infection

• an immune deficiency (natural or due to cancer chemotherapy, radiation, or steroid therapy)

• infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or AIDS

• Guillain-Barre syndrome or other neurological problems•an unusual or allergic reaction to influenza virus vaccine, eggs, chicken, latex, rubber, thimerosal, neomycin, polymyxin, other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Influenza virus vaccine is for injection into a muscle. It is given by a health care professional in a clinic, pharmacy, prescriber's office, or other health care setting.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. The influenza virus vaccine may be given to children and infants as young as 6 months old.

The use of this vaccine must be officially recorded. Federal law requires that the manufacturer's name and lot number; name, address, and phone number of the person giving the vaccine; and the date of administration be recorded in the patient's permanent medical record. Your health care professional will give you some written information about the vaccine. You should read this information.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What drug(s) may interact with influenza virus vaccine?

• carbamazepine

• chemotherapy (drugs to treat cancer) or radiation therapy

• medicines that suppress your immune function (e.g., corticosteroids, etanercept, anakinra, infliximab, adalimumab)

• phenytoin or fosphenytoin

• theophylline

• warfarin

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking influenza virus vaccine?

Report any side effects to your prescriber or health care professional that do not go away within 3 days. Call your health care provider if any unusual symptoms occur within 6 weeks of receiving this vaccine.

Remember that the influenza vaccine reduces your risk of getting the flu but may not prevent your chance of getting it completely. The flu vaccine will not protect against colds or other illnesses besides the flu that may cause fever. Ask your health care professional about immunization for other family members.

What side effects may I notice from receiving influenza virus vaccine?

Most people who get influenza virus vaccine have no serious problems from it.

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• confusion

• difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, wheezing

• extreme irritability

• severe rash, itching (hives)

• swelling of eyes or face

• fever over 102 degrees F

• seizure

• unusual weakness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• headache

• low-grade fever (102 degrees F or less)

• muscle aches and pains

• pain, tenderness, redness, or swelling at the injection site

• tiredness

Where can I keep my medicine?

This vaccine will be administered in the clinic or office of a health care professional. You will not be given vaccine doses to store at home.