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Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent Side Effects

Generic name: influenza virus vaccine, inactivated

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 31, 2025.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent Side Effects associated with influenza virus vaccine, inactivated. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent.

Applies to influenza virus vaccine, inactivated: intramuscular emulsion.

Other dosage forms:

Precautions

Be sure to notify your doctor of any side effects that occur after you receive this vaccine.

This vaccine may cause a serious type of allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Tell your doctor right away if you have a rash, itching, swelling of the tongue and throat, or troubled breathing after you get the injection.

Fluad® Quadrivalent may not protect everyone who receives the vaccine. Also, this vaccine will not treat flu symptoms if you already have the virus.

Tell your doctor if you are using a medicine or treatment that weakens your immune system, such as a steroid, radiation, or cancer treatment. This vaccine may not work as well if you are also using these medicines. However, your doctor may still want you to get the vaccine because it can give you some protection.

Other side effects

Some side effects of influenza virus vaccine, inactivated may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

  • headache
  • joint or muscle pain
  • pain at the injection site

Less common side effects

  • diarrhea
  • loss of appetite
  • nausea or vomiting
  • redness or swelling at the injection site

Serious side effects

Along with its needed effects, influenza virus vaccine, inactivated (the active ingredient contained in Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking influenza virus vaccine, inactivated:

Less common side effects

  • fever or chills

Incidence not known

  • black, tarry stools
  • bleeding gums
  • blood in the urine or stools
  • cough
  • difficulty swallowing
  • dizziness
  • fainting
  • fast heartbeat
  • hives, itching, or rash
  • inability to move the arms and legs
  • large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
  • pinpoint red spots on the skin
  • puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
  • sudden numbness and weakness in the arms and legs
  • tightness in the chest
  • unusual bleeding or bruising
  • unusual tiredness or weakness

For healthcare professionals

Applies to influenza virus vaccine, inactivated: intradermal suspension, intramuscular solution, intramuscular suspension, nasal spray.

General adverse events

The most commonly reported side (inclusive of all age groups) were local injection site reactions, myalgia, headache, drowsiness/sleepiness, malaise, pain, and abnormal crying.[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Dermatologic

Gastrointestinal

Hematologic

Hypersensitivity

Immunologic

Local

Metabolic

Musculoskeletal

Nervous system

Ocular

Other

Psychiatric

Respiratory

References

1. (2023) "Product Information. Flublok Quadrivalent 2023-2024 (influenza virus vaccine, inactivated)." sanofi pasteur

2. (2025) "Product Information. Flublok PF Prefilled Syringe 2025-2026 (influenza virus vaccine, inactivated)." sanofi pasteur

3. (2025) "Product Information. Fluarix PF Prefilled Syringe 2025-2026 (influenza virus vaccine, inactivated)." GlaxoSmithKline

4. (2025) "Product Information. Afluria 2025-2026 (influenza virus vaccine, inactivated)." Seqirus USA Inc

5. (2025) "Product Information. FluLaval (influenza virus vaccine, inactivated)." GlaxoSmithKline

6. (2025) "Product Information. Flucelvax 2025-2026 (influenza virus vaccine, inactivated)." Seqirus USA Inc

7. (2025) "Product Information. Fluzone (influenza virus vaccine, inactivated)." sanofi pasteur

8. (2025) "Product Information. Fluzone High-Dose (influenza virus vaccine, inactivated)." sanofi pasteur

9. (2025) "Product Information. Fluad PF Prefilled Syringe 2025-2026 (influenza virus vaccine, inactivated)." Seqirus USA Inc

10. (2024) "Product Information. Fluad Quad 2025 Needle Free (influenza virus vaccine, inactivated)." Seqirus Pty Ltd

11. (2024) "Product Information. Fluzone High-Dose 2025 without Needle (influenza virus vaccine, inactivated)." Sanofi-Aventis Australia Pty Ltd

12. (2024) "Product Information. Flucelvax Quad 2025 Needle Free (influenza virus vaccine, inactivated)." Seqirus Pty Ltd

13. (2025) "Product Information. Vaxigrip Tetra 2025 (influenza virus vaccine, inactivated)." Sanofi-Aventis Australia Pty Ltd

14. (2024) "Product Information. Influvac Tetra 2025 (influenza virus vaccine, inactivated)." Viatris Pty Ltd

15. (2024) "Product Information. Cell-Based Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine (influenza vaccine)." Seqirus UK Ltd

16. (2024) "Product Information. Afluria Quad 2025 Needle Free (influenza virus vaccine, inactivated)." Seqirus Pty Ltd

17. (2025) "Product Information. Fluquadri 2025 (influenza virus vaccine, inactivated)." Sanofi-Aventis Australia Pty Ltd

18. (2025) "Product Information. Cell-Based Trivalent Influenza Vaccine (influenza vaccine)." Seqirus UK Ltd

19. (2025) "Product Information. Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine (influenza vaccine)." Sanofi

20. (2025) "Product Information. Adjuvanted Trivalent Influenza Vaccine (influenza vaccine)." Seqirus UK Ltd

Does Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent interact with my other drugs?

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Frequently asked questions

Further information

Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.