What is Fluad?
Fluad, an inactivated virus vaccine for influenza prevention, is a flu vaccine. Influenza (commonly called "the flu") is a serious virus-caused disease. Influenza virus spreads from person to person through saliva droplets that are released into the air by an infected individual when they cough or sneeze. The virus can be spread by touching objects that the infected individual has touched. Fluad can be used to prevent influenza infection. Each year, the vaccine is redeveloped to include strains of flu virus that have been inactivated or killed and have been recommended by health officials. Fluad is an injectable vaccine that contains a virus called "killed".
Fluad is a vaccine that works by exposing your body to a small amount of virus. This helps to build immunity against the disease. This medication will not treat a disease that is already active in the body. Fluad can be used by adults over 65 years of age. Influenza is more harmful to your health than the vaccine. Influenza is responsible for thousands of deaths and hospitalizations each year. Like any medication, the vaccine may cause side effects, but there is a very low risk of serious ones. Fluad, like any other vaccine, may not protect everyone from disease. This vaccine does not protect against illness caused by bird flu (avian influenza).
Warnings
Fluad is an injectable vaccine that contains a virus called "killed". Infecting yourself with influenza is far more harmful to your health than getting this vaccine. This vaccine, like all medicines, can have side effects, but the risks of serious side effects are extremely low.
Before you take this drug
This vaccine may not be available to you if:
- A history of severe allergies to the flu vaccine
- A history of Guillain-Barre syndrome within 6 weeks of receiving the flu vaccine
Tell your doctor about any of the following:
- Bleeding problems
- A neurologic disease or disorder affecting the head (or if it was an allergic reaction to a prior vaccine);
- Seizures;
- A weak immune system can be caused by a disease, a bone marrow transplant, certain medications, or cancer treatment.
- Allergy to latex
If you are suffering from a minor cold, it is possible to receive the vaccine. Wait until you are better if you have a severe infection or fever. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that women who are pregnant get a flu vaccine during any trimester to protect their babies and themselves from the flu. It is not recommended that pregnant women use the nasal spray version of the influenza vaccine. Fluad may make it unsafe to breastfeed. Consult your doctor if you are concerned about any risks. The vaccine is not recommended for anyone younger than 65 years of age.
How to take Fluad?
Certain brands of influenza vaccines are only for adults. They cannot be used on children. Your child's physician can recommend which influenza vaccine is best for your child. This vaccine is administered as a shot (injection) into the muscle. This injection will be given in a clinic or doctor's office. Every year, you should get vaccinated against the flu. After receiving the Fluad, your immunity will slowly decrease over the next 12 months. Fluad is typically administered in November or October. Vaccinations may be needed earlier or later for some people. You should follow your doctor's advice. Once the shot has been administered and for 24 hours afterward, your physician may suggest an aspirin-free pain reliever such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to ease any associated discomfort.
What happens if I miss the dose?
You will not have a schedule for your flu shot since it is usually only given once per year. If you forgot to get your annual flu shot in November or October, call your doctor.
What happens if I overdose?
It is very unlikely that this vaccine will cause an overdose.
What should be avoided?
If your doctor prescribes any restrictions regarding food, beverage, or activity, follow their instructions.
Side effects of Fluad
If you experience any of the following: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat, contact an emergency medical professional immediately. Keep track of all the side effects that you experience after getting this vaccine. You will need to inform your doctor of any side effects if you need to get Fluad again in the future. The flu virus contained in the influenza virus injectable vaccine (killed) will not make you sick. You may experience flu-like symptoms during the flu season, but these may be caused by other strains.
If you experience:
- A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you could pass out.
- You may experience severe weakness in your arms or legs for 2 to 4 weeks following the vaccination.
- High fever
- Seizure (convulsions);
- Unusual bleeding.
Some of the most common side effects include the following:
- Low fever and chills
- Mild fussiness or crying
- Redness, bruising, or swelling at the injection site;
- Feeling tired;
- Joint or muscle pain
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor.Report any adverse reactions of vaccines to the Department of Health and Human Services by calling 1-800-822-7967.
Interaction with other drug
You may be unable to get the vaccine if you are taking any of these drugs, or you may have to wait until your other treatments are complete.
- Theophylline (Coumadin), or warfarin, is also known as phenytoin.
- Oral, nasal, inhaled or injectable steroids;
- Medications to treat psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other autoimmune disorders—azathioprine, etanercept, leflunomide, and others;
- Medicines to treat or prevent organ transplant rejection: basiliximab, cyclosporine, muromonab-CD3, mycophenolate mofetil, sirolimus, and tacrolimus.
This list is incomplete. Fluad may interact with other drugs, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal products. This list does not include all drug interactions.
