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How and where is a flu shot injection given?

Medically reviewed by Leigh Ann Anderson, PharmD. Last updated on Oct 30, 2024.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

Where is the flu vaccine injected on your body?

In the U.S., flu shots are administered by a healthcare provider in the fall each year at a pharmacy, clinic or doctor's office. It takes about two weeks to build up your immunity against the flu after your vaccine.

Related: How is an intramuscular shot given?

What are the brand names of the flu shots?

The best flu shot for you will vary based on your age and if you have certain medical conditions or allergies. Ask your healthcare provider which vaccine is best for you or your child. Names of common flu vaccine injections in the U.S. include:

In the 2024-2025 flu season, all flu vaccines are trivalent and no longer quadrivalent because the B/Yamagata lineage viruses have not been detected globally since March 2020, and the risk of infection is considered low.

Learn more: Should You Get Your Flu Vaccine Now?

Is the flu shot painful?

You may have some injection site pain that usually clears up in a few days, and this is normal. The flu shot is given as an intramuscular (IM) injection. The pain with a flu shot injected into muscle is usually minor and short-lived, and most people have few troubles.

Ask your doctor if you can take some acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) after your shot if needed.

What are the most common side effects of a flu shot?

Beside minor pain, other flu shot injection site reactions can occur. Side effects of the flu vaccine are generally mild symptoms and go away on their own within a few days.

Common flu shot side effects may include:

Life threatening allergic reactions or severe symptoms to the flu shot are rare. Signs of a severe allergic reaction would most likely happen within a few minutes to a few hours after the vaccine is given and can include:

A small rash at the injection site of the flu shot may not be a severe allergic reaction, but always check with your healthcare provider.

If you think you are having a severe allergic reaction to any flu vaccine, or have a high fever or unusual behavioral changes, call 911, your doctor, or other medical emergency help immediately.

Are there any flu vaccines without needles?

Yes, there are two flu vaccines available without needles: Afluria given via the PharmaJet Stratis Needle-Free Injector (a “jet injector”) and the intranasal FluMist vaccine, a nasal spray.

Afluria can be given via a needle-free jet injector or with a needle.

FluMist is an intranasal flu vaccine spray.

FluMist is a needle-free option that is used in certain populations between the ages of 2 to 49 years to help prevent influenza. It is a liquid vaccine that is sprayed into the nose.

Not everyone can use FluMist.

There are additional warnings for people who may not be able to get the FluMist Quadrivalent intranasal vaccine, ask your doctor if you fall into any of those groups.

FluMist for self- or caregiver administration, while approved in October 2024, is not expected to be available until the 2025-2026 influenza season. It will still require a prescription.

This is not all the information you need to know about the flu (influenza) vaccine for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Review the full product information and discuss any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.

References

Read next

What flu vaccine can I use with an egg allergy?

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

FluMist or Flu Shot: Which is more effective?

Both FluMist nasal flu vaccine and the flu shot offer good protection against influenza when vaccines are well-matched to the year’s circulating virus. In 2023-2024, the flu vaccine was 52% to 61% effective in preventing hospitalization in children 6 months to 17 years and 41% to 44% effective in preventing hospitalization in adults ages 18 years and older. Continue reading

How well does the flu vaccine work?

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

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