4 mins read

Overview: Fluad is a vaccine to help prevent the flu. Your health care provider will give you this vaccine via an injection into a muscle. Common side effects are pain and redness at the injection site. This vaccine will not give you the flu, but you may have a headache, tiredness, and muscle pain after getting it. Getting vaccinated each year is one way to keep yourself from getting the flu.

Uses

What is Fluad used for?

Fluad (influenza vaccine) is commonly given to certain people to help prevent the flu, a very contagious infection caused by influenza A and B viruses.

Fluad may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Fluad work (mechanism of action)?

Fluad triggers your immune response to make a type of protein (antibodies) against influenza viruses, the viruses that cause the flu. Antibodies help your body fight these viruses, which may help you avoid getting sick.

How should I store Fluad?

Fluad is usually given by a pharmacist or other health care provider in a pharmacy, hospital, or clinic. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Fluad?

The most common side effects of Fluad are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Pain, itching, swelling, or redness near the injection site
  • Muscle pain
  • Headache
  • Tiredness

There may be other side effects of Fluad that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a vaccine. In the U.S., you can report side effects by filling out an online form at https://vaers.hhs.gov. or by calling 800-822-7967. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Fluad?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Fluad are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Fluad may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown, depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Fluad?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not get Fluad.

  • Adjuvanted influenza vaccine
  • Fluad
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Fluad.

What should I know about Fluad before using it?

Fluad helps protect you from serious infections caused by three strains of killed influenza virus. You need a flu vaccine each year because the three influenza virus strains may change. The vaccine for any given flu season contains the strains that you are most likely to be exposed to that season. 

The vaccine will not give you the flu. 

A vaccine information statement should be provided by your health care provider to you before each vaccination. This document provides information regarding the benefits and risks of the vaccine.

Getting Fluad can lower your chances of getting the flu. It does not guarantee you will not get it. Talk with your health care provider about ways to reduce your risk of getting the flu.

Your risk of dizziness or fainting, which may lead to a fall, is the highest within a few minutes after receiving the vaccine. Your health care provider may want to watch you for some time to ensure your safety.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Fluad?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Fluad is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have or have had any of the following.

  • Allergy to eggs or egg protein
  • Guillain-Barré syndrome
  • A weak immune system, get infections easily, or take medicines or treatments that suppress the immune system, such as radiation or chemotherapy

Pregnancy. People who can become pregnant are not usually given Fluad. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. 

Breastfeeding. People who can breastfeed are not usually given Fluad. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

How can I get more information about Fluad?

For more information about Fluad, you can call the drugmaker at 855-358-8966.

Interactions

Does Fluad interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Fluad and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Fluad.

Does Fluad interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between Fluad and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Fluad?

Fluad is given by a health care provider. Keep a record of all vaccines you receive and share it with your health care provider.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Fluad?

Keep all appointments to receive Fluad. If you miss an appointment to get Fluad, schedule another appointment as soon as possible.