Influenza (Flu) Vaccine - Immunization Action Coalition

1 Vaccine INFORMATION STATEMENT. Influenza (Flu) Vaccine Many Vaccine Information Statements are available in Spanish and other languages. See (Inactivated or Recombinant): Hojas de informaci n sobre vacunas est n What you need to know disponibles en espa ol y en muchos otros idiomas. Visite certain health conditions or a 1 Why get vaccinated? weakened immune system are at Influenza ( flu ) is a contagious greatest risk. disease that spreads around the Each year thousands of people in United States every year, usually the United States die from flu, and between October and May.

2 Many more are hospitalized. Flu is caused by Influenza viruses, Flu Vaccine can: and is spread mainly by coughing, keep you from getting flu, sneezing, and close contact. make flu less severe if you do get Anyone can get flu. Flu strikes it, and suddenly and can last several days. keep you from spreading flu to Symptoms vary by age, but can your family and other people. include: fever/chills Inactivated and sore throat 2 recombinant flu muscle aches vaccines fatigue A dose of flu Vaccine is cough recommended every flu season.

3 Headache Children 6 months through 8 years runny or stuffy nose of age may need two doses during Flu can also lead to pneumonia and the same flu season. Everyone else blood infections, and cause diarrhea needs only one dose each flu season. and seizures in children. If you have Some inactivated flu vaccines a medical condition, such as heart or contain a very small amount of a lung disease, flu can make it worse. mercury-based preservative called Flu is more dangerous for some thimerosal. Studies have not shown people. Infants and young children, people 65 years of age and older, Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease pregnant women, and people with Control and Prevention thimerosal in vaccines to be harmful, any part of this Vaccine , you may but flu vaccines that do not contain be advised not to get vaccinated.

4 Thimerosal are available. Most, but not all, types of flu Vaccine contain a small amount of There is no live flu virus in flu shots. egg protein. They cannot cause the flu. If you ever had Guillain-Barr . There are many flu viruses, and they Syndrome (also called GBS). are always changing. Each year a Some people with a history of new flu Vaccine is made to protect GBS should not get this Vaccine . against three or four viruses that This should be discussed with your are likely to cause disease in the doctor. upcoming flu season.

5 But even when the Vaccine doesn't exactly match If you are not feeling well. these viruses, it may still provide It is usually okay to get flu Vaccine some protection. when you have a mild illness, but you might be asked to come back Flu Vaccine cannot prevent: when you feel better. flu that is caused by a virus not covered by the Vaccine , or Risks of a Vaccine illnesses that look like flu but are 4. reaction not. It takes about 2 weeks for protection With any medicine, including to develop after vaccination, and vaccines, there is a chance of protection lasts through the flu reactions.

6 These are usually mild season. and go away on their own, but serious reactions are also possible. 3 Some people should Most people who get a flu shot do not get this Vaccine not have any problems with it. Tell the person who is giving you the Vaccine : If you have any severe, life- threatening allergies. If you ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction after a dose of flu Vaccine , or have a severe allergy to Minor problems following a flu doctor if a child who is getting flu shot include: Vaccine has ever had a seizure. soreness, redness, or swelling Problems that could happen after where the shot was given any injected Vaccine : hoarseness People sometimes faint after a sore, red or itchy eyes medical procedure, including cough vaccination.

7 Sitting or lying down fever for about 15 minutes can help aches prevent fainting, and injuries headache caused by a fall. Tell your doctor itching if you feel dizzy, or have vision fatigue changes or ringing in the ears. If these problems occur, they usually Some people get severe pain in begin soon after the shot and last 1. the shoulder and have difficulty or 2 days. moving the arm where a shot was More serious problems following a given. This happens very rarely. flu shot can include the following: Any medication can cause a severe There may be a small increased allergic reaction.

8 Such reactions risk of Guillain-Barr Syndrome from a Vaccine are very rare, (GBS) after inactivated flu Vaccine . estimated at about 1 in a million This risk has been estimated at doses, and would happen within a 1 or 2 additional cases per million few minutes to a few hours after people vaccinated. This is much the vaccination. lower than the risk of severe complications from flu, which can As with any medicine, there is a be prevented by flu Vaccine . very remote chance of a Vaccine causing a serious injury or death. Young children who get the flu shot along with pneumococcal Vaccine The safety of vaccines is always (PCV13) and/or DTaP Vaccine at being monitored.

9 For more the same time might be slightly information, visit: more likely to have a seizure vaccinesafety/. caused by fever. Ask your doctor for more information. Tell your 5 What if there is a The National Vaccine serious reaction? 6 Injury Compensation Program What should I look for? Look for anything that concerns The National Vaccine Injury you, such as signs of a severe Compensation Program (VICP) is a allergic reaction, very high fever, federal program that was created to or unusual behavior. compensate people who may have Signs of a severe allergic reaction been injured by certain vaccines.

10 Can include hives, swelling of Persons who believe they may have the face and throat, difficulty been injured by a Vaccine can learn breathing, a fast heartbeat, about the program and about filing a dizziness, and weakness. These claim by calling 1-800-338-2382 or would start a few minutes to a few visiting the VICP website at www. hours after the vaccination. What should I do? There is a time limit to file a claim If you think it is a severe allergic for compensation. reaction or other emergency that 7 How can I learn more? can't wait, call 9-1-1 and get the person to the nearest hospital.