Influenza Virus Vaccine (Inactivated

This information from Lexicomp® explains what you need to know about this medication, including what it’s used for, how to take it, its side effects, and when to call your healthcare provider.

Brand Names: US

Afluria Quadrivalent; Fluad Quadrivalent; Fluarix Quadrivalent; Flucelvax Quadrivalent; Flulaval Quadrivalent; Fluzone Quadrivalent

Brand Names: Canada

Afluria Tetra; Fluad; Fluad Pediatric; Flucelvax Quad; Flulaval Tetra; Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent; Fluzone Quadrivalent; Influvac Tetra

What is this drug used for?

  • It is used to prevent the flu.

What do I need to tell the doctor BEFORE my child takes this drug?

  • If your child is allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell the doctor about the allergy and what signs your child had.

This drug may interact with other drugs or health problems.

Tell the doctor and pharmacist about all of your child’s drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe to give this drug with all of your child’s other drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug your child takes without checking with the doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while my child takes this drug?

  • Tell all of your child’s health care providers that your child is taking this drug. This includes your child’s doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
  • If your child has a latex allergy, talk with the doctor.
  • If your child is allergic to eggs, talk with the doctor.
  • Like all vaccines, this vaccine may not fully protect all people who get it. If you have questions, talk with the doctor.
  • This drug is a vaccine with a virus that is not active. It cannot cause the disease.
  • This drug is not a cure for the flu. It must be given before you are exposed to the flu in order to work. Most of the time, it takes a few weeks for this drug to work.
  • This drug only protects your child for 1 flu season. Your child will need to get the flu vaccine each year.
  • If your child has a weak immune system or takes drugs that weaken the immune system, talk with the doctor. This vaccine may not work as well.
  • Not all brands of vaccines are for all children. Talk with your child’s doctor.
  • Some children may need to have more than 1 dose of this vaccine. Talk with your child’s doctor.
  • Some children have had a fever and seizures caused by fevers with some flu vaccines. Most of the time, this happened in children younger than 5 years of age. Fever has also been seen in children 5 to younger than 9 years of age. Talk with your child’s doctor.

If your child is pregnant or breast-feeding a baby:

  • Talk with the doctor if your child is pregnant, becomes pregnant, or is breast-feeding a baby. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to your child and the baby.

What are some side effects that I need to call my child’s doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your child’s doctor or get medical help right away if your child has any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

  • Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • A burning, numbness, or tingling feeling that is not normal.
  • Not able to move face muscles as much.
  • Trouble controlling body movements.
  • Muscle weakness.
  • Seizures.
  • Change in eyesight.
  • Severe dizziness or passing out can happen after or sometimes before getting a vaccine. Tell your child’s doctor right away if your child feels dizzy.

What are some other side effects of this drug?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your child’s doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother your child or do not go away:

  • Pain, redness, swelling, or other reaction where the injection was given.
  • Headache.
  • Muscle or joint pain.
  • Feeling tired or weak.
  • Mild fever.
  • Chills.
  • Diarrhea, stomach pain, upset stomach, throwing up, or decreased appetite.
  • Feeling sleepy.
  • Feeling fussy.
  • Crying that is not normal.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your child’s doctor. Call your child’s doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to your national health agency.

How is this drug best given?

Give this drug as ordered by your child’s doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

  • It is given as a shot into a muscle.

What do I do if my child misses a dose?

  • Call your child’s doctor to find out what to do.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

  • If you need to store this drug at home, talk with your child’s doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to store it.

General drug facts

  • If your child’s symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your child’s doctor.
  • Do not share your child’s drug with others and do not give anyone else’s drug to your child.
  • Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
  • Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
  • If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Additional Information

Vaccine Information Statements (VIS) are made by the staff of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Each VIS gives information to properly inform the adult receiving the vaccine or, in the case of a minor, the child’s parent or legal representative about the risks and benefits of each vaccine. Before a doctor vaccinates a child or an adult, the provider is required by the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act to give a copy of the VIS. You can also get foreign language versions.

https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/vis-statements/flu.html

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider’s examination and assessment of a patient’s specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.

Last Reviewed Date

2023-07-26

Copyright

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Last Updated

Monday, December 12, 2022