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Influenza Vaccine

Drug Class: Commonly Known As: Category:
Vaccines

Influenza Vaccine - What is it for

Influenza vaccines help to prevent influenza (also known as flu), a common infection caused by Influenza virus types A and B.

It takes at least 2 weeks for protection to develop after vaccination.

Flu symptoms include fever, chills, headache, feeling tired, muscle aches, sore throat and cough.

Influenza Vaccine - Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications

What side effects can Influenza Vaccine cause?

  • ​Some people may feel faint after the vaccination
    • Sit for 15 minutes to avoid fainting
  • Soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site, slight headache, body aches or tiredness; fever of more than 38 oC is not common
    • These side effects usually go away on its own within 2 to 3 days
    • You may take Paracetamol to help to relieve the pain or fever

Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) are rare and can happen within minutes to a few hours after vaccination.

The symptoms of a severe allergic reaction include one or more of the following:

  • Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should inform your healthcare professional immediately.

Before taking Influenza Vaccine , what precautions must I follow?

​Inform your healthcare professional if:

  • You are allergic to this vaccine or any of the other ingredients of this vaccine
  • You have a history of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (a rare nerve condition)
  • You have a severe allergy to eggs

What food or medicine must I avoid when I take Influenza Vaccine ?

Influenza Vaccine - Dosage and How to Use

How should Influenza Vaccine be used?

It is either given by injection into a muscle or just underneath the skin.

One dose is recommended yearly as flu viruses are constantly changing, and your body’s immunity to influenza viruses may decrease over time.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

What should I do if I overdose?

Influenza Vaccine - Handling

How should I handle Influenza Vaccine safely?

Influenza Vaccine - Storage

How should I store Influenza Vaccine ?

How should I dispose of Influenza Vaccine safely?

Influenza Vaccine - Additional Information

Who should receive the vaccine?

  • The flu jab is recommended for everyone and especially in people who are at high risk of developing influenza complications such as:
  • Elderly aged 65 years and older
  • Pregnant women in any trimester
  • Persons with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, heart, lung, liver and kidney disease
  • Persons with lower body resistance to infections due to :
    • Conditions such as leukaemia, HIV, spleen removal, or organ transplant
    • Using medications or receiving treatment such as taking long-term steroids, certain cancer drugs or radiation therapy
  • Residents staying in intermediate or long term care facilities
  • Persons aged 18 years or younger and receiving long-term aspirin therapy
  • Updated on 12/31/2019 12:00:00 AM
  • Article contributed by PSS National Medication Information Workgroup
The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

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