INFLUENZA VIRUS VACCINE - SYRINGE INTRAMUSCULAR
Common Brand Name(s): Flushield, Fluvirin, Fluzone
Phonetic Pronunciation: (IN-floo-EN-za)
Information last revised August 2010
What does INFLUENZA VACCINE-IM (SYRINGE) look like?
Fluzone Pedi 2009-2010 (PF) 22.5 mcg/0.25 mL IM Syringe
Fluzone 2009-2010 (PF) 45 mcg (15 mcg x 3)/0.5 mL IM Syringe
Uses:
This medication is used to prevent infection by the influenza ("flu") virus. It is also called the seasonal flu shot. Influenza can cause serious illness (rarely death), especially in people at high risk from the infection (e.g., young children, the elderly, and people with chronic health problems). Vaccines work by causing the body to produce its own protection (antibodies) against the virus. The 2010-2011 flu vaccine provides protection against H1N1 (pandemic) influenza. A separate shot is not needed this year. People who received the 2009 H1N1 pandemic flu shot should still get the regular seasonal flu shot. Vaccination is the best method for preventing infection and decreasing the seriousness of illness if you become infected. The brand and dose of vaccine you receive depends on your age. Check with your healthcare provider to see which age group may be vaccinated with this product. Influenza vaccination is not recommended in infants less than 6 months old. As with any vaccine, it may not fully protect everyone who receives it. Since different types of flu viruses cause infection every flu season, usually a new vaccine is produced and given for each flu season.
Missed Dose
Not applicable.
How To Use
Read the Vaccine Information Statement available from your health care provider before receiving the vaccine. If you have any questions, consult your health care provider. This medication is given by injection into a muscle by a health care professional. Adults usually receive the injection in the upper arm, and children receive it in the upper thigh. The vaccination is usually given in the time from September to November when the number of cases of influenza virus begins to increase (the start of "flu season"). Only one dose is required for people aged 9 years and older. Children under 9 years of age may receive a second dose depending on when the first dose was given. Discuss the dose schedule with your doctor.
Drug Interactions
Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first. Before receiving this vaccine, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin, heparin), corticosteroids (e.g., hydrocortisone, prednisone), cancer chemotherapy, immunosuppressants (e.g., cyclosporine, efalizumab, tacrolimus). This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
Notes
Vaccination may be given to anyone wishing to reduce the chance of getting influenza. For the best protection, the vaccine must be repeated each year since it may contain different kinds of influenza virus than previous years.
Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.
Precautions
Before receiving this vaccination, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to eggs or chicken products; or to any other vaccines; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as latex found in some brands), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: any fever, uncontrolled seizures or other nervous system disorder (e.g., encephalopathy). Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: bleeding disorders (e.g., hemophilia, thrombocytopenia), history of Guillain-Barre syndrome, immune system disorders (e.g., autoimmune disorders, radiation treatment), seizures (e.g., epilepsy controlled by medication, febrile seizures) or history of other nervous system disorders, vaccination history including previous reactions to any vaccines. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Storage
Not applicable. This vaccine is given in a doctor's office or clinic and will not be stored at home.
Side Effects
Soreness/redness/swelling/bruising at the injection site may occur and may last for up to 1-2 days. Fever, muscle aches, headache or weakness may also occur. If any of these effects continue beyond 2 days or become bothersome, inform your doctor. If your doctor has directed you to receive this vaccine, remember that he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: mental/mood changes, seizures. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. Contact your doctor for medical advice about side effects. The following numbers do not provide medical advice, but in the US, you may report side effects to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) at 1-800-822-7967. In Canada, you may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
The information contained in the First DataBank databases is intended to supplement the knowledge of physicians, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals regarding drug therapy problems and patient counselling information. This information is advisory only and is not intended to replace sound clinical judgment in the delivery of healthcare services. First DataBank disclaims all warranties, whether expressed or implied, including any warranty as to the quality, accuracy, and suitability of this information for any purpose.
Copyright 2010 First DataBank, Inc.
