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Flucelvax Quadrivalent

Generic name: influenza virus vaccine (injection) [IN-floo-EN-za-VYE-rus-VAK-seen]
Drug class: viral vaccines

What is Flucelvax Quadrivalent?

Flucelvax quadrivalent is a vaccine that contains an inactivated virus to prevent influenza. Influenza (the flu) is a contagious illness caused by a viral infection that can be spread through the air and on surfaces. Flu symptoms can include fever, chills, fatigue, and a sore neck. Cough, nausea, and diarrhea. Flu can cause bronchitis or other serious complications, such as Influenza is responsible for thousands of deaths and hospitalizations each year. Children, pregnant women, elderly adults, and those with weak immune systems, diabetes, heart diseases, or cancer are at greatest risk of contracting influenza. Flucelvax quadrivalent prevents infection by the influenza virus. Each year, the vaccine is re-developed to include strains of a specific inactivated influenza virus recommended by public health officials.

Flucelvax quadrivalent, also known as the flu shot, is made of "killed virus." Flucelvax Quadrivalent 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 an infection that is already active in the body. Flucelvax Quadrivalent can be used in children and adults who are 6 months or older. 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. Flucelvax Quadrivalent, like any vaccine, may not protect everyone from disease.

Warnings

Flucelvax Quadrivalent contains "killed" viruses and won't make you sick with the flu virus. Infecting yourself with influenza is far more harmful to your health than getting this vaccine. Flucelvax Quadrivalent, like all medicines, can cause side effects, but the risks of serious side effects are extremely low.

Before you take this drug

Flucelvax Quadrivalent may not be available to you if you are allergic or have had an allergic reaction to flu vaccines in the past.

If you:

  • A weak immune system, caused by disease or certain medicines.
  • A history of Guillain-Barre syndrome within 6 weeks of receiving the flu vaccine

If you are suffering from a minor cold, it is possible to receive a vaccination. Wait until you are better if you have a severe illness, such as a fever, or an infection of any kind. Inform your vaccine provider if you are pregnant or nursing. 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.

How to take Flucelvax Quadrivalent?

Flucelvax quadrivalent (shot) is administered as an 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 Flucelvax Quadrivalent, your immunity will slowly decrease over the next 12 months. This vaccine can require a booster shot for children one month after the first dose. Children aged 6 months to 8 years old require one or two doses containing 0.5 mL. Two doses must be given at least four weeks apart if two are required. The choice of whether to use 1 dose or 2 doses is dependent on the vaccination history.
Children under 9 years old and adults are only required to take one dose of 0.5 mL. The Flucelvax quadrivalent vaccine is typically administered in November or October. Some people need their vaccinations sooner or later. You should follow your doctor's advice. If your doctor recommends it, you can take an aspirin-free pain reliever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, for 24 hours after the injection. As with any medicine, always read and follow the label or instructions from your physician as to the amount to give to your child. Preventing fever in children with seizure disorders such as epilepsy is of particular importance.

What happens if I miss the dose?

If you have forgotten to get your annual flu shot in November or October, or if you or your child have missed a booster shot, call your doctor.

What happens if I overdose?

It is highly unlikely that this vaccine will lead to any adverse side effects.

What should be avoided?

If your vaccine provider has given any restrictions regarding food, beverages or activities that must be observed while receiving your immunizations, follow them strictly.

Side effects of Flucelvax Quadrivalent

If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction: itching, difficulty breathing, swelling on your face, lips, or tongue, or difficulty breathing, seek emergency medical attention. If you had an adverse reaction to the first dose, do not receive another booster shot. Keep a record of all your side effects. You will need to inform the vaccine provider of any side effects you experienced after receiving the Flucelvax Quadrivalent. Flucelvax Quadrivalent contains "killed" viruses and won't make you sick with the flu virus. Flu-like symptoms can occur at any time of the flu season. These could be caused by another strain of influenza virus.

If you experience:

  • A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you could pass out.
  • You may experience a sudden and severe feeling of weakness in your arms or legs.
  • Feelings of tingling or burning, numbness, and pain;
  • Hearing or vision problems
  • A fever above 101 degrees F

Flucelvax may cause side effects such as:

  • Pain, redness, or tenderness; swelling, bruising, or a lump at the site of the injection
  • Diarrhoea, loss of appetite
  • Muscle pain;
  • Headache, tiredness;
  • A child's fussiness, crying, or drowsiness can be a sign of a number of things.

There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Report any adverse reactions of vaccines to the US 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.

  • Steroid medicine;
  • Treatment of autoimmune diseases or psoriasis
  • Medicines to prevent or treat organ rejection

This list is incomplete. Flucelvax Quadrivalent may interact with other drugs, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all possible drug interactions.