Medical Health Encyclopedia

Influenza vaccine

RISKS

Most people have no side effects from the flu shot. Soreness at the injection site or minor aches and low grade fever may be present for several days.

Unlike the swine flu vaccine used in1976, flu vaccines in recent years have shown no association with Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) in children, and an extremely small increase in the risk of GBS in adults. This risk is far outweighed by the number of severe flu cases prevented by immunization.

Text Continues Below

---

As is the case with any drug or vaccine, there is a rare possibility of allergic reaction.

WHO SHOULD NOT RECEIVE A FLU VACCINE

According to the CDC, some people should not be vaccinated without first talking to a doctor. In general, you should not get a flu shot if you: 

• Had a severe allergic reaction to chickens or egg protein
• Have a fever or illness that is more than "just a cold"
• Had a moderate to severe reaction after a previous flu vaccine
• Are a woman who is, or might be, in the first trimester of pregnancy (first 3 months of pregnancy)
• Have ever been paralyzed due to Guillain-Barre Syndrome

If you meet any of the above criteria, ask your doctor if a flu vaccine is safe for you.

References:

Buonagurio DA, Bechert TM, Yang CF, et. al. Genetic stability of live, cold-adapted influenza virus components of the FluMist/CAIV-T vaccine throughout the manufacturing process. Vaccine. 2005 Nov 21; [Epub ahead of print] .

Harper SA, Fukuda K, Uyeki TM, Cox NJ, Bridges CB; Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Prevention and control of influenza. Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). MMWR Recomm Rep. 2005 Jul 29;54(RR-8):1-40. Erratum in: MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2005 Aug 5;54(30):750.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.