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Influenza Vaccine


What You Need to Know

Page 2

Can I get influenza even if I get the vaccine this year?

Yes. Influenza viruses change often, and they might not always be covered by the vaccine. But vaccinated people who do get influenza often have a milder case than those who did not get the shot.

Also, many people call any illness with fever and cold symptoms "the flu." They may expect influenza vaccine to prevent these illnesses. But influenza vaccine is effective only against illness caused by influenza viruses, and not against other illnesses.

Some people should talk with a doctor before getting influenza vaccine.

Talk with a doctor before getting an influenza vaccination if you:
  • Ever had a serious allergic reaction to eggs or to a
    previous dose of influenza vaccine
     or
  • Have a history of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS).

If you have a fever or are severely ill at the time the shot is scheduled you should usually wait until you recover before getting influenza vaccine. Talk to your doctor or nurse about whether to reschedule the vaccination.

What are the risks from influenza vaccine?

A vaccine, like any medicine, is capable of causing serious problems, such as severe allergic reactions. The risk of a vaccine causing serious harm, or death, is extremely small. Almost all people who get influenza vaccine have no serious problems from it. The viruses in the vaccine are killed, so you cannot get influenza from the vaccine.

Mild problems:
  • soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given
  • fever
  • aches
If these problems occur, they usually begin soon after the shot and last 1-2 days.

Severe problems:
    Life-threatening allergic reactions are very rare. If they do Occur, it is within a few minutes to a few hours after the shot.

  • In 1976. swine flu vaccine was associated with a severe paralytic illness called Guillain_Barre Syndrome (GBS). Influenza vaccines since then have not been clearly linked to GBS. However, if there is a risk of GBS from current influenza vaccines, it is estimated at I or 2 cases per million persons vaccinated ... much less than the risk of severe Influenza. Which can be prevented by vaccination.

What if there is a moderate or severe reaction?

What should I look for?

Any unusual condition, such as a high fever or behavior changes. Signs of a serious allergic reaction can include difficulty breathing, hoarseness or wheezing, hives, paleness, weakness, a fast heart beat or dizziness.

What should I do?
  • Call a doctor, or get the person to a doctor right away.
  • Tell your doctor what happened, the date and time it happened, and when the vaccination was given.
  • Ask your doctor, nurse, or health department to file a Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) form, or call VAERS yourself at 1-800-822-7967.

How can I learn more?

  • Ask your doctor or nurse. They can give you the vaccine package insert or suggest other sources of information.
  • Call your local or state health department.
  • Contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
  • Call 1-800-232-2522 (English)
  • Call 1-800-232-0233 (Espanol
  • Visit the National Immunization Program's
    website at http://www.cdc.gov/nip



U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Immunization Program

( Influenza 4-24-01 Vaccine Information Statement )

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