4 mins read

Overview: Fluzone High-Dose is a vaccine to help prevent the flu. Your health care provider will give you this vaccine by 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 Fluzone High-Dose used for?

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

Fluzone High-Dose may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Fluzone High-Dose work (mechanism of action)?

Fluzone High-Dose 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. Certain people are better protected from the flu when they get Fluzone High-Dose as compared with Fluzone, which is another influenza vaccine.

How should I store Fluzone High-Dose?

Fluzone High-Dose 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 Fluzone High-Dose?

The most common side effects of Fluzone High-Dose 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
  • General feeling of being unwell, tired, or not having your usual energy
  • Headache

There may be other side effects of Fluzone High-Dose 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 Fluzone High-Dose?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Fluzone High-Dose 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, which 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 Fluzone High-Dose?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not get Fluzone High-Dose.

  • Fluzone High-Dose
  • Influenza vaccine
  • A previous dose of flu vaccine
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Fluzone High-Dose.

What should I know about Fluzone High-Dose before using it?

Make sure that you get all doses of Fluzone High-Dose that your health care provider recommends. 

Fluzone High-Dose 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 Fluzone High-Dose 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 this time to ensure your safety.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Fluzone High-Dose?

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 Fluzone High-Dose 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
  • Have 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 Fluzone High-Dose. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. 

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

How can I get more information about Fluzone High-Dose?

For more information about Fluzone High-Dose, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.sanofiflushots.com/fluzone-high-dose-influenza-vaccine.

Interactions

Does Fluzone High-Dose interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Fluzone High-Dose and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Fluzone High-Dose.

Does Fluzone High-Dose interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between Fluzone High-Dose 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 Fluzone High-Dose?

Fluzone High-Dose 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 Fluzone High-Dose?

Keep all appointments to receive Fluzone High-Dose. If you miss an appointment to get Fluzone High-Dose, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.