Influenza Virus Vaccine, H5n1 Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 2, 2025.

Applies to influenza virus vaccine, h5n1: intramuscular suspension.

Precautions

It is very important that you return to your doctor's office at the right time for the second dose. Be sure to notify your doctor of any side effects that occur after you receive this vaccine .

This vaccine will not treat flu symptoms if you already have the virus .

Serious side effects

Along with its needed effects, influenza virus vaccine, h5n1 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 immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking influenza virus vaccine, h5n1:

Other side effects

Some side effects of influenza virus vaccine, h5n1 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:

See also:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to influenza virus vaccine, h5n1: intramuscular suspension.

General adverse events

The most common adverse events were injection site pain, muscle aches, and irritability.^[Ref]

Local

• Very common (10% or more): Injection site pain (83%), injection site erythema (33.7%), injection site swelling (28.6%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Injection site pruritus, injection site warmth
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Injection site reaction^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Very common (10% or more): Muscle aches (45%), arthralgia (25%), joint pain (17.1%)
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Polymyalgia rheumatic, rheumatoid arthritis^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Very common (10% or more): Irritability/fussiness (82%)^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Headache (35%), drowsiness (37.8%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Convulsion, cerebrovascular accident, cranial nerve IV palsy, facial palsy, radiculitis, febrile convulsion^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Fatigue (34%), fever (22.4%), shivering (17%)^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Pulmonary embolism, rheumatoid lung^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Very common (10% or more): Loss of appetite (29.1%)^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Gastrointestinal reaction (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and/or abdominal pain) (17.2%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Gastroenteritis
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Celiac disease, Crohn's disease^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Very common (10% or more): Sweating (11%)
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Rash
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Psoriasis, erythema nodosum, alopecia^[Ref]

Ocular

• Common (1% to 10%): Eye infections
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Corneal transplant rejection^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Autoimmune hepatitis^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Temporal arteritis^[Ref]

Oncologic

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Thyroid cancer^[Ref]

Further information

Influenza virus vaccine, h5n1 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.

Medical Disclaimer