Influenza Virus Vaccine injection

What is this medication?

INFLUENZA VIRUS VACCINE (in floo EN zuh VAHY ruhs vak SEEN) helps to reduce the risk of getting influenza also known as the flu. The vaccine only helps protect you against some strains of the flu.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Afluria, Afluria Quadrivalent, Agriflu, Alfuria, FLUAD, FLUAD Quadrivalent, Fluarix, Fluarix Quadrivalent, Flublok, Flublok Quadrivalent, FLUCELVAX, FLUCELVAX Quadrivalent, Flulaval, Flulaval Quadrivalent, Fluvirin, Fluzone, Fluzone High-Dose, Fluzone Intradermal, Fluzone Quadrivalent

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• bleeding disorder like hemophilia
• fever or infection
• Guillain-Barre syndrome or other neurological problems
• immune system problems
• infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or AIDS
• low blood platelet counts
• multiple sclerosis
• an unusual or allergic reaction to influenza virus vaccine, latex, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives. Different brands of vaccines contain different allergens. Some may contain latex or eggs. Talk to your doctor about your allergies to make sure that you get the right vaccine.
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This vaccine is for injection into a muscle or under the skin. It is given by a health care professional.

A copy of Vaccine Information Statements will be given before each vaccination. Read this sheet carefully each time. The sheet may change frequently.

Talk to your healthcare provider to see which vaccines are right for you. Some vaccines should not be used in all age groups.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What may interact with this medication?

• chemotherapy or radiation therapy
• medicines that lower your immune system like etanercept, anakinra, infliximab, and adalimumab
• medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like warfarin
• phenytoin
• steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone
• theophylline
• vaccines

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Report any side effects that do not go away within 3 days to your doctor or health care professional. Call your health care provider if any unusual symptoms occur within 6 weeks of receiving this vaccine.

You may still catch the flu, but the illness is not usually as bad. You cannot get the flu from the vaccine. The vaccine will not protect against colds or other illnesses that may cause fever. The vaccine is needed every year.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• fever
• headache
• muscle aches and pains
• pain, tenderness, redness, or swelling at the injection site
• tiredness

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

The vaccine will be given by a health care professional in a clinic, pharmacy, doctor's office, or other health care setting. You will not be given vaccine doses to store at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.