What is Flublok Quadrivalent?
Flublok quadrivalent is used to protect against influenza virus infection. Influenza is a serious viral illness caused by influenza virus infection.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. Flublok Quadrivalent, also known as the flu shot (flu injection), contains recombinant protein strains of four influenza viruses that have been selected by the health authorities to be included in the seasonal vaccine. These proteins are not infectious and do not cause influenza.
Flublok Quadrivalent stimulates the immune system, causing it to produce antibodies, which help protect against influenza viruses that carry the proteins in the vaccine. This vaccine does not protect against other respiratory infections. This medication will not treat active infections that have already developed within the body. Flublok quadrivalent can be used by adults over the age of 18. Flublok quadrivalent, like any other vaccine, may not protect everyone from illness. This vaccine does not protect against illness caused by bird flu (avian influenza).
Warnings
Influenza is more harmful to your health if you get it than if you receive this vaccine. Influenza is responsible for thousands of deaths and hospitalizations each year. Like any medication, the vaccine may cause side effects. However, serious side effects are extremely rare.
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 after 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.
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. Flublok quadrivalent may cause problems if breast-feeding is being done. Consult your doctor if you are concerned about any risks. The vaccine is not recommended for anyone under the age of 18.
Similar/related drugs
Tamiflu, oseltamivir, influenza virus vaccine, inactivated, Fluzone, FluMist, and Relenza
How to take Flublok Quadrivalent?
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 Flublok Quadrivalent, your immunity will slowly decrease over the next 12 months. Flublok quadrivalent is typically administered in November or October. Some people need their vaccinations sooner or later. You should follow your doctor's advice. Once the shot has been given, and in the subsequent 24 hours afterward, your doctor may provide you with an aspirin-free pain reliever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
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 extremely unlikely that this vaccine will lead to any kind of overdose.
What should be avoided?
If your doctor prescribes any restrictions regarding food, beverage, or activity, follow their instructions.
Side effects of Flublok Quadrivalent
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 a record 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 Flublok Quadrivalent again in the future. The flu virus contained in the influenza virus injectable vaccine (killed) will not make you sick. Flu-like symptoms may strike during flu season, but could also 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.
Common side effects may 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 adverse reactions of vaccines to the US Department of Health and Human Services by calling 1-800-822-7967.
Interaction with other drug
If you are currently taking any of the drugs mentioned above, or your other treatments have yet to conclude, receiving the vaccine may not be possible or you may need to wait.
- Theophylline (Coumadin), or warfarin, is also known as phenytoin.
- Steroid medicines may be taken orally, nasally, inhaled or intramuscularly;
- Medications to treat psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, or 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. Flublok Quadrivalent may interact with other drugs, including vitamins and herbal products. This list does not include all drug interactions.
