What is this medication for?
This medication belongs to a group of medications known as vaccines.
It is used to prevent influenza ("the flu"). Influenza is a
common viral illness caused by 2 types of virus, influenza A and influenza
B.
Each year, different strains (new, slightly different
versions of the virus) appear. Scientists predict which strains will be most
likely for the coming year, and then these strains are used to make up the year's
influenza vaccine. Each year's influenza vaccine contains 3 virus strains that
are likely to circulate in the coming winter. The vaccine only provides
protection against the strains of flu virus used to prepare the vaccine. The
best time to obtain the influenza vaccine is October or November.
The vaccine increases a person's defenses against the
influenza virus. It works by introducing very small amounts of viral
components (parts) into the body. These components are enough to stimulate the
production of antibodies (cells designed to attack that particular
virus), which will remain in the body ready to attack that same virus in the
future.
The vaccine is used to prevent influenza for people over 6 months
of age. The vaccine is strongly recommended for anyone at an increased risk for
complications of influenza or who are in close contact with people at high risk,
for example:
- children
ages 6 to 23 months
- children
and adolescents ages 6 months to 18 years who are receiving long-term
aspirin therapy
- chronic-care
facility workers
- healthcare
workers
- people
50 years of age or older
- people
with chronic lung and heart conditions (e.g., asthma)
- people
with diabetes, kidney problems, immunosuppression, hemoglobin problems
- people
who smoke
- residents
of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities
- travelers
to tropical areas or the southern hemisphere during the months of April
through September
- women
who will be pregnant during the flu season
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Fluzone® is available as:
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
The influenza vaccine is given once a year, usually in September,
October, or November, as an injection into a muscle (usually on the upper arm).
Infants and young children should be injected in the thigh. It is given by a
health care professional.
Children younger than 9 years of age who have not previously
received the influenza vaccine should receive 2 doses of vaccine at least one
month apart. If possible, the second dose should be given before December. The
vaccine should not be given to infants younger than 6 months.
This medication is stored in the refrigerator and must not be
allowed to freeze.
Many things can affect the dose of
medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions,
and other medications.
It is very important to keep doctor appointments so that
this medication may be used according to recommended schedules.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Influenza vaccine should not be used by anyone who:
- is
allergic to egg protein or chicken proteins
- is
allergic to influenza vaccine or any ingredients of the vaccine
- has an
active neurological disorder
- has an
acute illness or fever (except for minor illnesses without fever)