INACTIVATED INFLUENZA VACCINE WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

There are two types of influenza vaccine:

• Inactivated (killed) vaccine, or the “flu shot” is given by injection into the muscle.
• Live, attenuated (weakened) influenza vaccine, called LAIV, is sprayed into the nostrils. This vaccine is described in a separate Vaccine Information Statement.

For most people influenza vaccine prevents serious influenzarelated illness. But it will not prevent “influenza-like” illnesses caused by other viruses. Influenza viruses are always changing. Because of this, influenza vaccines are updated every year, and an annual vaccination is recommended. Protection lasts up to a year.
It takes up to 2 weeks for protection to develop after the vaccination.
Some inactivated influenza vaccine contains thimerosal, a preservative that contains mercury. Some people believe thimerosal may be related to developmental problems in children. In 2004 the Institute of Medicine published a report concluding that, based on scientific studies, there is no evidence of such a relationship. If you are concerned about thimerosal, ask your doctor about thimerosal-free influenza vaccine.

 

Who should get inactivated influenza vaccine?

People 6 months of age and older can receive inactivated influenza vaccine. It is recommended for anyone who is at risk of complications from influenza or more likely to require medical care:

• All children from 6 months up to 5 years of age. Anyone 50 years of age or older.
• Anyone 6 months to 18 years of age on long-term aspirin treatment (they could develop Reye Syndrome if they got influenza).
• Women who will be pregnant during influenza season.
• Anyone with long-term health problems with: - heart disease - kidney disease - lung disease - metabolic disease, such as diabetes - asthma - anemia, and other blood disorders
• Anyone with a weakened immune system due to: - HIV/AIDS or other diseases affecting the immune system - long-term treatment with drugs such as steroids - cancer treatment with x-rays or drugs
• Anyone with certain muscle or nerve disorders (such as seizure disorders or severe cerebral palsy) that can lead to breathing or swallowing problems.
• Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities. Influenza vaccine is also recommended for anyone who lives with or cares for people at high risk for influenzarelated complications:
• Health care providers.
• Household contacts and caregivers of children from birth up to 5 years of age.
• Household contacts and caregivers of people 50 years and older, and those with medical conditions that put them at higher risk for severe complications from influenza.

A yearly influenza vaccination should be considered for:

• People who provide essential community services.
• People living in dormitories or under other crowded conditions, to prevent outbreaks.
• People at high risk of influenza complications who travel to the Southern hemisphere between April and September, or to the tropics or in organized tourist groups at any time.

Influenza vaccine is also recommended for anyone who wants to reduce the likelihood of becoming ill with influenza or spreading influenza to others.

 

When should I get influenza vaccine?

Plan to get influenza vaccine in October or November if you can. But getting vaccinated in December, or even later, will still be beneficial in most years. You can get the vaccine as soon as it is available, and for as long as illness is occurring. Influenza illness can occur any time from November through May. Most cases usually occur in January or February.
Most people need one dose of influenza vaccine each year. Children younger than 9 years of age getting influenza vaccine for the first time should get 2 doses For inactivated vaccine, these doses should be given at least 4 weeks apart. Influenza vaccine may be given at the same time as other vaccines, including pneumococcal vaccine.

 

Some people should talk with a doctor before getting influenza vaccine.

Some people should not get inactivated influenza vaccine or should wait before getting it.

• Tell your doctor if you have any severe (life-threatening) allergies. Allergic reactions to influenza vaccine are rare.
  • Influenza vaccine virus is grown in eggs. People with a severe egg allergy should not get the vaccine.
  • A severe allergy to any vaccine component is also a reason to not get the vaccine.
  • If you have had a severe reaction after a previous dose of influenza vaccine, tell your doctor.
• Tell your doctor if you ever had Guillain-Barré Syndrome (a severe paralytic illness, also called GBS). You may be able to get the vaccine, but your doctor should help you make the decision.
• People who are moderately or severely ill should usually wait until they recover before getting flu vaccine. If you are ill, talk to your doctor or nurse about whether to reschedule the vaccination. People with a mild illness can usually get the vaccine.

What are the risks from inactivated influenza vaccine?

A vaccine, like any medicine, could possibly cause serious problems, such as severe allergic reactions. The risk of a vaccine causing serious harm, or death, is extremely small. Serious problems from influenza vaccine are very rare. The viruses in inactivated influenza vaccine have been killed, so you cannot get influenza from the vaccine.

Mild problems:

• soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given
• fever
• aches

If these problems occur, they usually begin soon after the shot and last 1-2 days.

Severe problems:

• Life-threatening allergic reactions from vaccines are very rare. If they do occur, it is usually within a few minutes to a few hours after the shot.
• In 1976, a certain type of influenza (swine flu) vaccine was associated with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS). Since then, flu vaccines have not been clearly linked to GBS. However, if there is a risk of GBS from current flu vaccines, it would be no more than 1 or 2 cases per million people vaccinated. This is much lower than the risk of severe influenza, which can be prevented by vaccination.

What if there is a severe reaction?

What should I look for?
Any unusual condition, such as a high fever or behavior changes. Signs of a serious allergic reaction can include difficulty breathing, hoarseness or wheezing, hives, paleness, weakness, a fast heart beat or dizziness.

What should I do?
Call a doctor, or get the person to a doctor right away.

• Tell your doctor what happened, the date and time it happened, and when the vaccination was given.
• Ask your doctor, nurse, or health department to report the reaction by filing a Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) form.

Or you can file this report through the VAERS web site at www.vaers.hhs.gov, or by calling 1-800-822-7967. VAERS does not provide medical advice.

 

The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program

In the event that you or your child has a serious reaction to a vaccine, a federal program has been created to help pay for the care of those who have been harmed.
For details about the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, call 1-800-338-2382 or visit their website at www.hrsa.gov/vaccinecompensation.

 

How can I learn more?

• Ask your immunization provider. They can give you the vaccine package insert or suggest other sources of information.
• Call your local or state health department.
• Contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
  • Call 1-800-232-4636 (1-800-CDC-INFO)
  • Visit CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/flu

Vaccine Information Statement Inactivated Influenza Vaccine (7/16/07) 42 U.S.C. §300aa-26

FLU INFORMATION