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Influenza virus vaccine (injection)

Generic name: influenza virus vaccine (injection) [ IN-floo-EN-za-VYE-rus-VAK-seen ]
Brand names: Afluria 2024-2025, Fluad PF Prefilled Syringe 2024-2025, Fluarix PF Prefilled Syringe 2024-2025, Flublok PF Prefilled Syringe 2024-2025, Flucelvax 2024-2025, ... show all 254 brands
Dosage forms: intramuscular solution (recombinant hemagglutinin quadrivalent; recombinant hemagglutinin trivalent preservative-free), ... show all 2 dosage forms
Drug class: Viral vaccines

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 13, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is influenza virus vaccine?

Influenza virus ("the flu") is a contagious disease caused by a virus that can spread from one person to another through the air or on surfaces. Flu symptoms include fever, chills, tiredness, aches, sore throat, cough, vomiting, and diarrhea. The flu can also cause sinus infections, ear infections, bronchitis, or serious complications such as pneumonia.

Influenza virus vaccine is for use in adults and children to prevent infection caused by influenza virus. This vaccine helps your body develop immunity to the disease, but will not treat an active infection you already have.

The injectable influenza virus vaccine (flu shot) is made from "killed viruses." This medication guide addresses only the injectable form of this vaccine.

Like any vaccine, influenza virus vaccine may not provide protection from disease in every person.

Influenza virus vaccine side effects

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

Keep track of any and all side effects you have. If you receive an this vaccine in the future, you may need to tell the vaccination provider if the previous shot caused any side effects.

Influenza virus vaccine 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.

Influenza virus vaccine may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

Common side effects of influenza virus vaccine 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.

Warnings

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

Before taking this medicine

You may not receive this vaccine 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:

Tell your vaccination provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How is this vaccine given?

Follow your doctor's instructions or the schedule recommended by your local health department.

Your vaccination provider, pharmacist, or doctor can recommend the best influenza virus vaccine for your age.

This vaccine is given as an injection (shot) into a muscle.

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

Tamiflu, oseltamivir, Fluzone, Afluria, influenza virus vaccine, inactivated, Flucelvax

What happens if I miss a dose?

Be sure to receive all recommended doses of this vaccine or you may not be fully protected against disease.

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.

What other drugs will affect influenza virus vaccine?

Before receiving this vaccine, tell your vaccination provider about all other vaccines you have recently received.

Other drugs may affect influenza virus vaccine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Does influenza virus vaccine, inactivated interact with my other drugs?

Enter medications to view a detailed interaction report using our Drug Interaction Checker.

Popular FAQ

How and where is a flu shot injection given?

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

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

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

How can I get a flu vaccine without a needle?

Options that are available for a needle-free flu vaccine are the FluMist nasal spray for people 2 to 49 years of age and the Afluria vaccine given with the Stratis needle-free jet injector for ages 18 through 64 years. Check with your healthcare provider to see if you are eligible. Continue reading

Where can I get the flu vaccine right now?

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

Which flu vaccines are available?

Flu vaccines for the 2024-2025 influenza season are now available. All vaccines are trivalent, and will protect against an H1N1, H3N2 and a B/Victoria lineage virus. This season's vaccine has been updated with a new influenza A(H3N2) virus. It is safe to receive COVID-19 and flu vaccines at the same visit. Continue reading

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Further information

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

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