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Brand Names:

Contraindications:

Uses:

• This medicine is given as a shot into one of your muscles. A flu shot is given once every year, between October and November. The influenza vaccine must be repeated each year to protect you from the flu.
• Because the supply of this vaccine may be low in certain years, you may need to wait until December or January to receive the vaccine. Vaccines may also be delayed in your area if you live in a warm climate. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about this.
• If vaccine supply is low, shots are usually reserved for people who may develop serious medical problems if they caught the flu virus. This includes people 65 and older, people living in nursing homes, people with chronic medical conditions (lung or heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, blood disorders), people with weak immune systems (caused by HIV/AIDS infection, certain medicines, chemotherapy, radiation), and women who will be in the second or third trimester of pregnancy during the flu season.
• Children under 9 years may receive 2 shots given at least one month apart.
• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.

• It is important that you receive this vaccine early in the flu season (October to November). If you miss your appointment for receiving the vaccine, make another appointment as soon as possible.

Special precautions:

• Influenza vaccine should not be given within 3 days of a pertussis ("whooping cough") vaccine (such as DTP).
• Before you receive this vaccine, make sure the nurse knows if you are using blood thinners (Coumadin®), theophylline, or medicine for seizures (such as Depakote®, Dilantin®, Keppra™, Tegretol®).
• This vaccine may not work as well if you receive it while you are also using cancer medicines or steroids (such as prednisone). However, your doctor may still want you to get the shot.

Warnings:

• Before you receive this vaccine, make sure the nurse knows if you have HIV or AIDS, or if you have ever had a mild but unusual reaction (such as a skin rash), after receiving a flu shot.
• The side effects of influenza vaccine are more common in infants and children.

Side Effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
• Fever over 103 degrees F
• Severe muscle pain or weakness
• Redness, tenderness, or a small lump where the shot was given
• Mild fever