What is Fluzone Quadrivalent?
Fluzone Quadrivalent, an inactivated influenza vaccine, is used to prevent influenza. 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. Fluzone Quadrivalent prevents infection by the influenza virus. 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. Fluzone Quadrivalent is an injectable vaccine that contains a virus "killed".
Fluzone Quadrivalent is a drug 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. 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. 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. Fluzone Quadrivalent, like any other vaccine, may not protect everyone from disease. This vaccine does not protect against illness caused by bird flu (avian influenza).
Warnings
The Fluzone Quadrivalent Vaccine is made of "killed" viruses and will not make you sick with the influenza virus. 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.
Similar/related drugs
Tamiflu, oseltamivir, influenza virus vaccine, inactivated, Fluzone, FluMist, and Relenza
Before you take this drug
Fluzone Quadrivalent may not be available to you if you have an allergy to eggs or a severe reaction to flu vaccines.
If you:
- A weak immune system, caused by illness or certain medicines.
- A history of Guillain-Barre syndrome within 6 weeks after receiving the flu vaccine
If you are suffering from a minor cold, you can still get vaccinated. Wait until you are better to receive Fluzone Quadrivalent if you have a severe illness, such as a fever or infection. 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 Fluzone Quadrivalent?
Fluzone quadrivalent can be injected into a muscle. Fluzone Quadrivalent can be used by adults and children older than 6 months. Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent can be used by adults over 65 years old. A second vaccine may be required for children aged 6 months to 8 years after the first vaccination. This is usually 4 weeks later. Children and adults older than 9 years only need one shot. Fluzone Quadrivalent is administered in the northern hemisphere, usually between October and November. You can follow your doctor's advice or the schedule set by your local health department. Fluzone Quadrivalentis is developed each year to target specific strains. You should get a flu shot every year.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you have forgotten to get your annual flu shot in November or October, or if your children missed a booster shot, 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 vaccine provider has issued any restrictions in relation to food, beverages, or activities - be sure to comply.
Side effects of Fluzone Quadrivalent
If you experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing, lip, face, tongue or throat swelling and/or hives it is critical that emergency medical assistance be sought immediately. If you experienced an extreme allergic reaction after taking the first dose, do not get a booster shot. Keep a record of all side effects. You will need to inform the vaccine provider of any side effects you experienced from the previous Fluzone Quadrivalent shot if you are receiving a Fluzone Quadrivalent at a later date. Fluzone Quadrivalent contains "killed" viruses and won't make you sick with the flu virus. You can have flu-like symptoms any time of the year, which may be caused by other strains.
If you experience:
- Feeling dizzy, as though 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
Fluzone can cause a variety of side effects.
- 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 about side effects of vaccines, call your physician. Vaccine side effects should also be reported directly to the Department of Health and Human Services by calling 1-800-822-7967.
Interaction with other drug
You may be unable to receive the vaccine if you are currently taking any of these drugs, or may need to wait until all other treatments have taken effect before receiving a vaccination.
- Steroid medicine;
- Treatment of autoimmune diseases or psoriasis
- Medicines to prevent or treat organ rejection
This list is incomplete. Fluzone Quadrivalent may interact with other drugs, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all drug interactions.
