What is the Influenza virus vaccine (IVV)?
Influenza (also known as "the flu") is a contagious illness caused by a viral infection that can be spread through air or surfaces. The flu symptoms include fever and chills. They can also cause aches, nausea, diarrhea, and a sore throat. The flu may also lead to ear infections or bronchitis. It can even cause serious complications like pneumonitis.
Influenza is responsible for thousands of deaths and hospitalisations each year. Children, pregnant women, elderly adults, people with weak immune systems, or those who have health issues such as diabetes or heart disease are at greatest risk.
The influenza virus vaccine can be used to prevent infections due to the virus. This vaccine will help your body build immunity against the virus, but it won't treat an infection that you already have.Each year, the influenza virus vaccine is redeveloped to include strains of flu virus inactivated or killed that have been recommended by health officials.
The influenza vaccine injectable (flu shot) is made of "killed virus." Influenza virus is also available as a nasal spray, which is a "live virus". The information in this guide is only for the injectable version of the vaccine.As with any vaccine, the influenza virus vaccine does not protect everyone from illness.
Side effects of Influenza virus vaccine
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms: difficulty breathing, swelling in your face, lips, tongue or throat.If you experienced a severe allergic reaction to the first dose, then a booster shot is not recommended.
Keep track of all side effects. You will need to inform the vaccine provider of any side effects you experienced from the last shot if you are receiving an influenza virus vaccination in the future.
Influenza virus vaccination is made of "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.
The influenza virus vaccine may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor immediately if:
- 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
- Vision or hearing problems
- A fever above 101 degrees F
Side effects of the influenza virus vaccine can include:
- Pain, redness, or tenderness; swelling, bruising, or a lump at the site of the injection
- Diarrhea, loss of appetite
- Muscle pain;
- Headache, tiredness,
- In a child, fussiness, crying, or drowsiness are common.
There may be other side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. Report the side effects of vaccines to the US Department of Health and Human Services by calling 1-800-822-7967.
Warnings
Influenza virus vaccination is made of "killed" viruses and won't make you sick with the virus.
Before you take this drug
This vaccine may not be available to you if you have an allergy to eggs or previous severe reactions to flu vaccines.
If you:
- Weak immune system caused by certain diseases or medicines.
- A history of Guillain-Barre syndrome within 6 weeks after 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 Centres 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 Influenza virus vaccine?
This vaccine is not recommended for children. Your child's vaccine provider can suggest the best influenza virus vaccination for your child.This vaccine is administered as a shot (injection) into the muscle.A second vaccine may be needed for children aged 6 months to 8 months after the first one.
Influenza virus vaccines are usually administered in November or October. You can follow the instructions of your doctor or those recommended by your local department of health.You should get a flu shot every year, as the vaccine for influenza is updated each year to include new strains.
Details on dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Influenza Prophylaxis:
0.5 ml IM, twice
Fluzone Intradermal(R)
Intradermally: 0.1 ml
Usual Paediatric Dose for Influenza Prophylaxis:
IM: 0.25 ml, 1 dose or 2; if 2, administer them 1 month apart.
0.5 ml (one dose), IM: 1 or 2 doses. If two doses are administered one month apart,
9 years old and older: 0.5 ml, once
Comments:
Children who have not been vaccinated previously (under the age of 9 years) should receive two doses.
Check the current ACIP guidelines.
Check the age range of the vaccine you are using.
The deltoid of the upper arm is the preferred site for administration.
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 dose, 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 given you any instructions regarding restrictions in food, beverage, or activity, follow them.
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;
- If you have a condition such as psoriasis, arthritis, or another autoimmune disorder, then medications may be prescribed to treat it.
- Medicines to treat or prevent transplant rejection
This list is incomplete. This list is not complete. This list does not include all possible drug interactions.
