WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

What is the influenza vaccine? The influenza vaccine is an injection or nasal spray given to help prevent influenza (flu). The flu is caused by a virus. The virus spreads from person to person through coughing and sneezing. Several types of viruses cause the flu. The viruses change over time, so new vaccines are made each year. The vaccine begins to protect you about 2 weeks after you get it.

What are the types of influenza vaccines?

• The flu shot is usually injected into your upper arm. It may be given in your thigh. You may get a vaccine with either a weak, live virus, or a dead virus. The vaccine with a live virus can cause mild illness, but it does not cause the flu.
  
  
• The nasal spray is given into your nose. It is made from influenza viruses that are weak, but still alive. The vaccine can cause mild illness, but it does not cause the flu.

When should I get the influenza vaccine? The influenza vaccine is offered every year starting in October or November. Get the influenza vaccine as soon as it is available. Children between 6 months and 8 years old need 2 vaccines during the first year they get the vaccine. The 2 vaccines should be given 4 or more weeks apart. It is best if the same type of vaccine is given both times.

Who should get the flu shot?

• Infants 6 months or older
  
  
• Any healthy adult who would like to decrease the risk for the flu
  
  
• Anyone living with or caring for children younger than 5 years
  
  
• Healthcare workers
  
  
• Anyone who lives in a long-term care facility
  
  
• Anyone who has chronic health problems, such as asthma, diabetes, or blood disorders
  
  
• Anyone who has a weak immune system
  
  
• Women who are or will be pregnant during the flu season

Who should not get the flu shot?

• Anyone who has an egg allergy should ask the healthcare provider if it is safe to get the flu shot
  
  
• Infants younger than 6 months
  
  
• Anyone who has had an allergic reaction to the flu shot
  
  
• Anyone who is sick or has a fever
  
  
• Anyone who received a diagnosis of Guillain-Barré syndrome within 6 weeks of getting a flu vaccine
  
  
• Anyone who is allergic to thimerosal (mercury)

Who can get the nasal spray? Most healthy people between 2 and 49 years may get the nasal spray instead of the flu shot. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have chronic health problems, such as asthma, diabetes, or blood disorders.

Who should not get the nasal spray?

• Anyone younger than 2 years or older than 50 years
  
  
• Children between 2 and 4 years who have asthma, or have had wheezing during the previous 12 months
  
  
• Children between 2 and 17 years who are taking aspirin or a product that contains aspirin
  
  
• Anyone who has had an allergic reaction to any flu vaccine
  
  
• Anyone who has an egg allergy
  
  
• Anyone who has a weak immune system
  
  
• Any healthcare worker who takes care of a person who has a weak immune system
  
  
• Women who are pregnant
  
  
• Anyone who is sick or has a fever
  
  
• Anyone who has taken antiviral medicine for the flu in the past 48 hours
  
  
• Anyone who received a diagnosis of Guillain-Barré syndrome within 6 weeks of getting a flu vaccine

What are the risks of the influenza vaccine? The flu shot may cause mild symptoms, such as a fever, headache, and muscle aches. It may also cause mild to moderate soreness or redness at the area where you were given the shot. The nasal spray may cause a fever, runny or stuffy nose, headache, muscle aches, or vomiting. You may still get the flu after you receive the influenza vaccine. If you are allergic to eggs, ask about an egg-free vaccine. You may have an allergic reaction to the vaccine. This can be life-threatening.

Call 911 for any of the following:

• Your mouth and throat are swollen.
  
  
• You are wheezing or have trouble breathing.
  
  
• You have chest pain or your heart is beating faster than normal for you.
  
  
• You feel like you are going to faint.

When should I seek immediate care?

• Your face is red or swollen.
  
  
• You have hives that spread over your body.
  
  
• You feel weak or dizzy.

When should I contact my healthcare provider?

• You have increased pain, redness, or swelling around the area where the shot was given.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about the influenza vaccine.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.