"Meant to get vaccinated in the fall to ward off the flu, but somehow didn't get around to it? Think it's too late to get vaccinated now?
Not so. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), vaccinations can be protective as long a"...
Afluria Patient Information including How Should I Take
In this Article
- What is influenza virus vaccine (Afluria)?
- What are the possible side effects of influenza virus injectable vaccine?
- What is the most important information I should know about this vaccine?
- What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving this vaccine?
- How is this vaccine given?
- What happens if I miss a dose?
- What happens if I overdose?
- What should I avoid before or after receiving this vaccine?
- What other drugs will affect influenza virus injectable vaccine?
- Where can I get more information?
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving this vaccine?
You may not be able to receive this vaccine if you are allergic to eggs, or if you have:
- a history of severe allergic reaction to a flu vaccine; or
- a history of Guillian-Barre syndrome (within 6 weeks after receiving a flu vaccine).
To make sure influenza virus injectable vaccine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
- a bleeding or blood clotting disorder such as hemophilia or easy bruising;
- a neurologic disorder or disease affecting the brain (or if this was a reaction to a previous vaccine);
- a history of seizures;
- a weak immune system caused by disease, bone marrow transplant, or by using certain medicines or receiving cancer treatments; or
- if you are allergic to latex rubber.
You can still receive a vaccine if you have a minor cold. In the case of a more severe illness with a fever or any type of infection, wait until you get better before receiving this vaccine.
Vaccines may be harmful to an unborn baby and generally should not be given to a pregnant woman. However, not vaccinating the mother could be more harmful to the baby if the mother becomes infected with a disease that this vaccine could prevent. Your doctor will decide whether you should receive this vaccine, especially if you have a high risk of infection with influenza.
It is not known whether influenza virus vaccine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not receive this vaccine without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
This vaccine should not be given to a child younger than 6 months old.
How is this vaccine given?
Some brands of this vaccine are made for use in adults and not in children. Your child's doctor can recommend the best influenza virus vaccine for your child.
This vaccine is given as an injection (shot) into a muscle. You will receive this injection in a doctor's office or other clinic setting.
You should receive a flu vaccine every year. Your immunity will gradually decrease over the 12 months after you receive the influenza virus vaccine. Children receiving this vaccine may need a booster shot one month after receiving the first vaccine.
The influenza virus vaccine is usually given in October or November. Some people may need to have their vaccines earlier or later. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Your doctor may recommend treating fever and pain with an aspirin-free pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, and others) when the shot is given and for the next 24 hours. Follow the label directions or your doctor's instructions about how much of this medicine to give your child.
It is especially important to prevent fever from occurring in a child who has a seizure disorder such as epilepsy.
Additional Afluria Information
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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