Influenza Vaccine

What is influenza?

Influenza is an infection that is caused by the influenza virus. Influenza is also called the flu. There are different types of viruses that cause the flu. These viruses spread from person to person by coughing and sneezing. People have a higher chance of getting the flu during the fall and winter months. With influenza, you may have a fever and chills, body aches, and a sore throat. Healthy people may get better within a few days to a week after getting the flu. For other people, the flu can cause health problems that are serious or life-threatening.

What is the influenza vaccine?

The influenza vaccine works by causing your body to make antibodies against viruses that cause the flu. Antibodies are special proteins in your blood that fight infection. After you receive the influenza vaccine, these antibodies remember the influenza virus from the vaccine. When you are exposed to the influenza virus later, your body knows what it is, and is better able to fight it. The vaccine begins to protect you from the influenza virus about 2 weeks after you get it. The viruses that cause the flu change over time, so new vaccines are made each year.

What types of influenza vaccines are there?

• Inactivated influenza vaccine: This is known as the flu shot. It is made from dead influenza viruses. The flu shot is usually given with a needle into your arm. It may also be given as a shot into your thigh. You cannot get the flu from the flu shot because the viruses used to make the vaccine are dead.
  
  
• Live, intranasal influenza vaccine: This is known as the nasal spray flu vaccine. It is made from influenza viruses that are weak, but still alive. It is given as a spray into your nose. This vaccine is safe for certain healthy people. This vaccine can cause mild illness, but it does not cause the flu.

Why is it important to get the influenza vaccine?

The influenza vaccine is the best way to help prevent infection with the influenza virus. The vaccine may reduce overall healthcare costs as well as sick days. You may still get the flu after receiving the influenza vaccine. Your signs and symptoms, such as a fever, may not be as bad if you get the vaccine. Older adults, very young children, pregnant women in their second or third trimester, people who are overweight, American Indians/Alaska natives, and people with certain medical conditions are at a higher risk for serious complications if they get the flu.

Who should get the inactivated influenza vaccine (flu shot)?

• Infants older than 6 months of age.
  
  
• Any healthy adult who would like to decrease their risk of getting sick with the flu.
  
  
• Anyone living with or caring for healthy children younger than 5 years of age.
  
  
• Anyone living with or caring for people who have a high risk of serious health problems caused by the flu.
  
  
• People living in long-term care homes.
  
  
• People who have chronic health problems, including heart or lung problems (such as asthma), kidney problems, diabetes, or blood disorders.
  
  
• People who have weak immune systems and cannot fight infections very well.
  
  
• Women who are, or will be pregnant during the flu season.
  
  
• People who work in healthcare.

Who should not get the inactivated influenza vaccine (flu shot)?

• Infants younger than 6 months of age.
  
  
• People who have had a bad reaction to an influenza vaccine in the past.
  
  
• People who have an allergic reaction to chicken or egg proteins or products. Talk to your caregiver if your allergy to eggs is mild.
  
  
• Talk to your caregiver if you are sick and have a fever. You may need to wait until you are better before getting the influenza vaccine.
  
  
• Talk to your caregiver if you have had a disease called Guillain-Barre syndrome within 6 weeks of getting a flu vaccine in the past.
  
  
• Talk to your caregiver if you have a bleeding disorder, such as hemophilia, or if you take blood-thinning medicine. You may not be able to get the flu vaccine.
  
  
• Talk to your caregiver if you are allergic to thimerosal (mercury). You may not be able to get the flu vaccine.

Who may get the live, intranasal influenza vaccine (nasal spray) instead of the flu shot?

Most healthy people between 2 and 49 years of age may get the nasal spray instead of the flu shot. Talk to your caregiver if you would like to get the influenza vaccine in the form of a nasal spray. Tell him if you have any medical problems. Tell him if you use any medicines, and what they are.

Who should not get the live, intranasal influenza vaccine (nasal spray)?

• Children under 2 years old.
  
  
• Children between 2 and 4 years of age who have asthma, or have had wheezing during the previous 12 months.
  
  
• Children and adolescents who take long-term salicylate medicine, such as aspirin.
  
  
• Adults who are 50 years old or older.
  
  
• People who have had a bad reaction to an influenza vaccine in the past.
  
  
• People who have an allergic reaction to chicken or egg proteins or products. Talk to your caregiver if your allergy to eggs is mild.
  
  
• People who have chronic health problems, including heart or lung problems (such as asthma), kidney problems, diabetes, and blood disorders.
  
  
• People who have weak immune systems and cannot fight infections very well.
  
  
• People with nasal congestion (stuffy nose). Ask the caregiver if you or your child should wait until the stuffy nose goes away before getting the nasal spray.
  
  
• Women who are pregnant.
  
  
• Talk to your caregiver if you are sick and have a fever. You may need to wait until you are better before getting the nasal spray.
  
  
• Talk to your caregiver if you have had a disease called Guillain-Barre syndrome within 6 weeks of getting a flu vaccine in the past.
  
  
• Talk to your caregiver if you have been given another type of live vaccine within the 4 weeks before you are scheduled to get the nasal spray.
  
  
• Talk to your caregiver if you have been taking any medicines for the flu. You will need to stop any flu medicines for 48 hours and not take them until 2 weeks after you get the nasal spray.

When should I get the influenza vaccine?

The influenza vaccine is offered every year starting in October or November. Get the influenza vaccine as soon as it is available. You may get the vaccine any time during the flu season. Children between 6 months and 8 years old need 2 vaccines during the first year they get it. The 2 vaccines should be given 4 or more weeks apart. It is best if the same type of vaccine is given both times. Ask your caregiver when you or your child should get the influenza vaccine.

What are the risks of not getting the influenza vaccine?

People who do not get the influenza vaccine have a higher chance of getting the flu. Certain people who get the flu have a high risk of getting pneumonia or other serious infections. The flu can cause long-term conditions, such as heart and lung disease, to get worse. Over time, serious health problems caused by the flu may lead to death. Women who are pregnant and get the flu are at a greater risk of being hospitalized. Ask your caregiver for more information about the signs, symptoms, and risks of having influenza.

What are the risks of getting the influenza vaccine?

The area on your body where the flu shot was given may look red, and it may be swollen and sore. The flu shot may also cause a fever, headache, and muscle aches. The nasal spray may cause a fever, runny or stuffy nose, headache, muscle aches, or vomiting in children. Adults who receive the nasal spray may have a sore throat, cough, runny nose, or headache. Talk to your caregiver if you have questions or concerns about getting the influenza vaccine.

Where can I find more information about the influenza vaccine?

• The National Immunization Program Public Inquiries
  1600 Clifton Road, Mailstop E-05
  Atlanta , GA 30333
  Phone: 1- 800 - 232-4636
  Web Address: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/
  

When should I seek immediate help?

Seek care immediately or call 911 if:

• You suddenly feel weak or tired.
  
  
• You are wheezing or have trouble breathing or swallowing.
  
  
• You feel very weak or dizzy.
  
  
• You have hives or a rash that is spreading. Hives are red, itchy bumps that may cause your skin to feel like it is burning.
  
  
• You pass out or feel like you are about to faint.
  
  
• Your face is red and swollen.
  
  
• Your mouth is swollen or your throat feels tight.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.