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Overview: Flucelvax is a vaccine to help prevent the flu. Your health care provider will give you this vaccine through 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 help you from getting the flu.

Uses

What is Flucelvax used for?

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

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

How does Flucelvax work (mechanism of action)?

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

How should I store Flucelvax?

Flucelvax 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 Flucelvax?

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

  • Pain, itching, swelling, bruising, or redness near the injection site
  • Muscle or joint pain
  • General feeling of being unwell, tired, or not having your usual energy
  • Headache
  • Tiredness
  • Irritability (in young children)
  • Loss of appetite (in young children)
  • Diarrhea (in young children)

There may be other side effects of Flucelvax 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 Flucelvax?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Flucelvax 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 Flucelvax?

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

  • Flucelvax
  • Influenza vaccine
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

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

What should I know about Flucelvax before using it?

Make sure that you get all doses of Flucelvax that your health care provider recommends.

Flucelvax 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 Flucelvax 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.

If you are 65 years of age or older, ask if another influenza vaccine may be a better option for you. People who are at least 65 years of age have a lower response to Flucelvax compared with younger people.

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

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 Flucelvax 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.

Pregnancy. Getting a flu vaccine when you are pregnant is usually recommended. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should get Flucelvax while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Flucelvax passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should get Flucelvax while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Flucelvax?

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

Interactions

Does Flucelvax interact with foods or drinks?

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

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Flucelvax.

Does Flucelvax interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between Flucelvax 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 Flucelvax?

Flucelvax is given by a healthcare provider. Keep a record of all vaccines you receive and share it with your healthcare provider.

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

Keep all appointments to receive Flucelvax. If you miss an appointment to get Flucelvax, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.