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Fluzone
Used for Flu Vaccination
Used for Flu Vaccination
The flu vaccine helps lower your risk of getting the flu from the influenza virus. There are many types of flu shots for adults and children that are given into the muscle. This includes standard flu shots (like Fluarix), as well as high-dose flu shots for older adults (like Fluzone High-Dose). There are also egg-free flu shots (like Flucelvax). Most people should get a flu vaccine every year. How well the flu vaccines work can change each year since the virus changes over time. Side effects include headache, muscle aches, and pain where you got the injection.
What is Flu vaccine?
What is Flu vaccine used for?
- Prevention of the flu (influenza)
How Flu vaccine works
The flu vaccine helps protect you from getting the flu (influenza). In recent years, flu vaccines have protected against three strains of the influenza virus. This makes it "trivalent."
There are different kinds of flu vaccines. Some are inactivated vaccines, which are made from a dead version of the virus. Others are recombinant vaccines, which are made from a flu virus created in a lab.
Both types help your immune system make antibodies. These antibodies help your body fight the flu virus if you get infected.
When does Flu vaccine start working?Time passed since treatment started:
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Fluzone, Flucelvax, Fluarix, Flublok, Afluria, Fluad, FluLaval |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Vaccine |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
More on Flu vaccine essentials
Side effects of Flu vaccine
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
- Muscle aches
- Headache
- Feeling unwell
Less Common Side Effects
- Fever
- Shivering
- Tiredness
- Fainting
- Irritability (in younger children)
Note: Side effects can differ depending on which type of flu vaccine you received and your age.
Flu vaccine serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Allergic reaction: trouble breathing, wheezing, swelling around the lips or eyes, hives, dizziness, fast heartbeat
When do Flu vaccine possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
H
D
W
M
Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
Muscle aches
Headaches
More on Flu vaccine side effects
The following Flu vaccine side effects have also been reported
In 1976, a number of people who received the “swine flu” influenza vaccine developed Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), which is a disease that may cause paralysis. Most of these people were over 25 years of age. Although only 10 out of every one million people who received the vaccine actually developed GBS, this number was 6 times higher than would normally have been expected. Most of the people who got GBS recovered completely.
It is assumed that the “swine flu” virus included in the 1976 vaccine caused the problem, but this has not been proven. Since that time, studies have shown that the risk of acquiring GBS from an influenza vaccine is very low (one out of every million people).
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
Bruising, hard lump, redness, or pain at the injection site
headache
irritability
large, flat, blue or purplish patches in the skin
loss of appetite
muscle aches
redness of the eyes
stuffy or runny nose
vomiting
Less common
Body aches or pain
chills
difficulty with breathing
ear congestion
loss of voice
shivering
swelling or puffiness of the face
tightness in the chest
unusual tiredness or weakness
Rare
Difficulty with swallowing
dizziness
fast heartbeat
large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or genitals
noisy breathing
puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, lips, or tongue
Incidence not known
Agitation
back pain, sudden and severe
back, leg, or stomach pains
blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
burning, dry, or itching eyes
clumsiness or unsteadiness
confusion
drowsiness
dryness of the throat
fainting
feeling hot
increased sensitivity of the eyes to sunlight
inflammation, rash, swelling, or tenderness at the injection site
lightheadedness
nosebleeds
pain, redness, soreness, swelling, tenderness, or warmth on the skin
pinpoint red spots on the skin
redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest
sensation of spinning
shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet
sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
sores, welts, or blisters
stomach pain, soreness, or discomfort
sweating
trouble sleeping
unusual bleeding or bruising
voice changes
weakness of the muscles in your face
yellowing of the eyes or skin
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Incidence not known
Sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Get your GoodRx coupon
$55.46
GoodRx discount
$27.42
Pros and cons of Flu vaccine
Pros
- Can help lower your risk of the flu by 30% to 60% (depends on the year)
- Helps protect you from common strains of the flu virus that can make you sick
- Free or low-cost vaccine options might be available, even if you don't have health insurance
- High-dose flu shots are available for older adults to help give better protection
- Egg-free flu vaccine options available
Cons
- Given as an injection into the muscle by a trained healthcare professional
- Hard to predict exactly how well it'll work every year
- Can cause side effects such as headaches and body aches
- Can take up to 2 weeks before you're fully protected from the flu
- Need to get a new flu vaccine every year for the flu season
Pharmacist tips for Flu vaccine
- If you have an egg allergy, tell the pharmacist or healthcare professional before getting the flu vaccine. Some flu vaccines are made using eggs and can cause an allergic reaction. The healthcare professional can make sure you get a flu vaccine that's safe for you.
- It's okay to get the flu vaccine when you're sick with mild symptoms (like a low-grade fever, slight cough, or runny nose). But if your symptoms are more severe, it might be better to wait until you feel better. Ask a healthcare professional if you're not sure it's okay to get the flu vaccine if you're feeling sick.
- Most people will have a sore arm for 1 to 2 days after getting the flu vaccine. Try moving your arm around for a few hours after your shot to help with this.
- The area where you got the flu vaccine can also get a little red or feel warm. This is quite common, but these side effects usually go away within 1 to 2 days. In the meantime, you can place an ice pack wrapped in a towel on the area for 10 to 20 minutes at a time to help. Talk to a healthcare professional if these reactions don't go away or get worse.
- After getting the flu vaccine, some people might start to feel like they're getting sick. Things like muscle aches, headaches, and a low-grade fever (99.5ºF to 100.3ºF) are normal side effects of the vaccine. This will usually get better within 1 to 2 days. But call your primary care provider if your fever gets higher or if these symptoms last longer than a few days.
- Getting the flu vaccine is the best way to help protect yourself from the flu, but it doesn't prevent every case. To help lower your risk even more and lower the risk of spreading it, wash your hands often with soap and water. Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Also try to stay away from people who are sick and clean surfaces that people touch a lot.
More on Flu vaccine tips
Risks and warnings for Flu vaccine
Flu vaccine can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Allergic reactions
- Risk factors: History of an allergic reaction to a flu vaccine | Allergy to eggs, egg proteins, or egg products (for some flu vaccines)
It's possible to have an allergic reaction to the flu vaccine. This can include hives or a rash. In rare cases, a serious allergic reaction called an anaphylaxis can happen. Signs can include swelling of the lips or tongue, tightness in the throat, and trouble breathing. Call 911 right away if you have signs of an allergic reaction after getting a flu vaccine.
Tell the healthcare professional if you've ever had an allergic reaction to a flu vaccine. They can help decide if you should get the vaccine.
Also let the healthcare professional know if you're allergic to eggs or egg proteins. Some flu vaccines, like Fluzone, Fluarix, and Afluria, are made using chicken eggs and might have a small amount of egg protein. The risk of a reaction is very low. Even still, the healthcare professional can make sure the flu vaccine is safe for you.
Possible fainting after vaccination
- Risk factors: Fainting after receiving a vaccine before
Some people have fainted after receiving injectable vaccines, like the flu vaccine. Signs that you might faint are blurry vision, lightheadedness, nausea, sweating, or pale skin. Tell the healthcare professional if you've fainted after getting vaccines so they can watch you closely.
Guillain-Barré syndrome
- Risk factors: History of Guillain-Barré syndrome
Although rare, some people have developed Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) after getting a flu vaccine. It's not clear if the vaccine caused this. GBS is a rare illness that can cause muscle weakness, tingling, and pain. Most people get better within a few weeks. But some people can have long-lasting nerve problems, sometimes even paralysis.
If you've had GBS before, especially within 6 weeks after getting a vaccine, talk to your healthcare professional before getting a flu vaccine.
Lower response to the flu vaccine for people with a weak immune system
- Risk factors: Medical conditions that weaken the immune system | Taking medications that weaken the immune system
The flu vaccine might not work as well if you have a weak immune system. This means you might be at higher risk of still getting the flu even after getting the vaccine.
Before getting a flu vaccine, tell your primary care provider or a healthcare professional about all your health problems and medications. Some conditions, like HIV or cancer, can weaken your immune system. Some medications can also weaken it. This includes high-dose steroids and transplant medications. If this applies to you, talk to your care team about extra ways to protect yourself from the flu.
Seizures caused by high fever in children 6 months to 4 years
It's very rare, but some studies suggest that children ages 6 months to 4 years might have a higher risk of seizures caused by fever during the first day after getting a flu vaccine. Watch your child closely if they have a fever of 102°F or higher.
Get medical help right away if your child has a seizure. Watch for stiffening, shaking, or twitching of the body that lasts 1 to 2 minutes.
Talk with your child’s healthcare professional if you have concerns about this risk.
Flu vaccine dosage
The average cost for 1 syringe of 0.5ml of Flu vaccine is $27.42 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 50.56% off the average retail price of $55.46.
Typical dosage for Flu vaccine
Talk with a healthcare professional about which flu vaccine best for you. Different flu vaccines are approved for different age groups and can have different ingredients.
-
People 6 months and older
-
People 9 years and older
- Flublok: The typical dose is 1 injection given in the arm muscle once every year.
-
People 65 years and older
- Fluzone High-Dose or Fluad: The typical dose is 1 injection in the arm muscle once every year.
Interactions between Flu vaccine and other drugs
Flu vaccine may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Flu vaccine. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are receiving this vaccine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Receiving this vaccine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Rituximab
How much does Flu vaccine cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
Fluzone (brand)
$27.42
Flu vaccine contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Flu vaccine will not be safe for you to take.
- History of severe allergic reaction to any flu vaccine
- History of allergy to eggs, egg protein, or egg products - for Fluzone, Fluzone HD, Fluarix, Afluria, Fluad, or FluLaval only
What are alternatives to Flu vaccine?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Flu vaccine. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
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