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Fluzone Quadrivalent

Generic name: influenza virus vaccine (injection) [ IN-floo-EN-za-VYE-rus-VAK-seen ]
Brand names: Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent, Fluzone Pediatric Quadrivalent, Fluzone Quadrivalent
Drug class: Viral vaccines

Medically reviewed by Judith Stewart, BPharm. Last updated on Aug 15, 2023.

What is Fluzone Quadrivalent?

Fluzone Quadrivalent is an inactivated influenza virus vaccine used for the prevention of influenza.

Influenza virus (commonly known as "the flu") is a serious disease caused by a virus. Influenza virus can spread from one person to another through small droplets of saliva that are expelled into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can also be passed through contact with objects the infected person has touched, such as a door handle or other surfaces.

Fluzone Quadrivalent is used to prevent infection caused by influenza virus. The vaccine is redeveloped each year to contain specific strains of inactivated (killed) flu virus that are recommended by public health officials for that year.

The injectable Fluzone Quadrivalent (flu shot) is a "killed virus" vaccine.

Fluzone Quadrivalent works by exposing you to a small dose of the virus, which helps your body to develop immunity to the disease. This medicine will not treat an active infection that has already developed in the body.

Influenza causes thousands of deaths each year, and hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations. Influenza is most dangerous in children, pregnant women, older adults, and people with weak immune systems or health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, or cancer.

Becoming infected with influenza is much more dangerous to your health than receiving this vaccine. However, like any medicine, this vaccine can cause side effects but the risk of serious side effects is extremely low.

Like any vaccine, Fluzone Quadrivalent may not provide protection from disease in every person. This vaccine will not prevent illness caused by avian flu ("bird flu").

Warnings

Fluzone Quadrivalent vaccine is made from "killed viruses" and will not cause you to become ill with the flu virus.

Becoming infected with influenza is much more dangerous to your health than receiving this vaccine. However, like any medicine, this vaccine can cause side effects but the risk of serious side effects is extremely low.

Before taking this medicine

You may not be able to receive Fluzone Quadrivalent if you are allergic to eggs, or if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction to a flu vaccine.

Tell your vaccination provider if you have:

You can still receive a vaccine if you have a minor cold. In the case of a more severe illness with a fever or any type of infection, wait until you get better before receiving Fluzone Quadrivalent.

Tell your vaccination provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that pregnant women get a flu shot during any trimester of pregnancy to protect themselves and their newborn babies from flu. The nasal spray form of influenza vaccine is not recommended for use in pregnant women.

Fluzone Quadrivalent pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (more detail)

How is Fluzone Quadrivalent vaccine given?

Fluzone Quadrivalent is given as an injection (shot) into a muscle.

Fluzone Quadrivalent is for use in adults and children who are at least 6 months old.
Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent is for use in adults who are at least 65 years of age.

Children 6 months to 8 years old may need a second flu shot 4 weeks after receiving the first vaccine. Adults and children 9 years and older only require one shot.

In the northern hemisphere Fluzone Quadrivalent vaccine is usually given in October or November. Follow your doctor's instructions or the schedule recommended by your local health department.

Since the Fluzone Quadrivalentis redeveloped each year for specific strains of influenza, you should receive a flu vaccine every year.

Detailed Fluzone Quadrivalent dosage information

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor if you forget to receive your yearly flu shot in October or November, or if your child misses a booster dose.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of this vaccine is unlikely to occur.

What should I avoid before or after receiving this vaccine?

Follow your vaccination provider's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Fluzone Quadrivalent side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Fluzone: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

You should not receive a booster vaccine if you had a life threatening allergic reaction after the first shot.

Keep track of any and all side effects you have. If you receive a Fluzone Quadrivalent in the future, you will need to tell the vaccination provider if the previous shot caused any side effects.

Fluzone Quadrivalent is made from "killed viruses" and will not cause you to become ill with the flu virus. You may have flu-like symptoms at any time during flu season that may be caused by other strains of influenza virus.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

Common Fluzone side effects may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report vaccine side effects to the US Department of Health and Human Services at 1-800-822-7967.

Fluzone Quadrivalent side effects (more detail)

What other drugs will affect Fluzone Quadrivalent?

If you are using any of these medications, you may not be able to receive the vaccine, or may need to wait until the other treatments are finished:

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with Fluzone Quadrivalent, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Fluzone Quadrivalent drug interactions (more detail)

Popular FAQ

The flu shot is usually given as an intramuscular (IM) needle injection into the upper, outer arm muscle called the deltoid muscle in people 3 years of age and older. The preferred injection site for infants and young children is the front, outer area of the thigh. The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older receive a flu vaccine every year, typically in Sept. or Oct. Continue reading

Egg-free vaccines include Flublok Quadrivalent, for people 18 years and older and Flucelvax Quadrivalent for people 6 months and older. The CDC now states that people with egg-allergy may receive any flu vaccine appropriate for their age and health status. Continue reading

Flu vaccination typically reduces the risk of flu illness by between 40% and 60% during seasons when the flu viruses are well-matched to the flu vaccine. But if you are infected with the virus, the vaccine reduces your chances of getting the flu and passing it on to others and lessens the severity of symptoms, hospitalizations and death. Continue reading

Options that are available for a needle-free flu vaccine are the FluMist Quadrivalent nasal spray and the Afluria Quadrivalent vaccine given with the Stratis needle-free jet injector. Check with your healthcare provider to see if you are eligible. Continue reading

You can find the flu vaccine most quickly at your local pharmacy, where you can usually walk in without an appointment. To save time, you might prefer to make an appointment. Call your pharmacist to be sure they have the current year's vaccine in stock. Continue reading

View more FAQ

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Fluzone only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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