Influenza Virus Vaccine (Flucelvax)
Influenza Virus Vaccine (Flucelvax)
What is this medicine?
INFLUENZA VIRUS VACCINE (in floo EN zuh VAHY ruhs vak SEEN) helps to reduce the risk of getting influenza also known as the flu. The vaccine only helps protect you against some strains of the flu.
How should I use this medicine?
This vaccine is for injection into a muscle. It is given by a health care professional.
A copy of Vaccine Information Statements will be given before each vaccination. Read this sheet carefully each time. The sheet may change frequently.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you've taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (Report these to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome.):
fever
headache
muscle aches and pains
pain, tenderness, redness, or swelling at the injection site
tiredness
What may interact with this medicine?
chemotherapy or radiation therapy
medicines that lower your immune system like etanercept, anakinra, infliximab, and adalimumab
medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like warfarin
phenytoin
steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone
theophylline
vaccines
What if I miss a dose?
This does not apply.
Where should I keep my medicine?
The vaccine will be given by a health care professional in a clinic, pharmacy, doctor's office, or other health care setting. You will not be given vaccine doses to store at home.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
bleeding disorder like hemophilia
fever or infection
Guillain-Barre syndrome or other neurological problems
immune system problems
infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or AIDS
low blood platelet counts
multiple sclerosis
an unusual or allergic reaction to influenza virus vaccine, other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Report any side effects that do not go away within 3 days to your doctor or health care professional. Call your health care provider if any unusual symptoms occur within 6 weeks of receiving this vaccine.
You may still catch the flu, but the illness is not usually as bad. You cannot get the flu from the vaccine. The vaccine will not protect against colds or other illnesses that may cause fever. The vaccine is needed every year.
Updated:  
July 17, 2018