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Overview: Fluzone 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 reduce your risk of getting the flu.

Uses

What is Fluzone used for?

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

How does Fluzone work (mechanism of action)?

Fluzone 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 better, which may help you from getting sick.

How should I store Fluzone?

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

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Fluzone?

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

  • Pain, tenderness, redness, itching, or swelling near the injection site
  • Headache
  • Muscle aches
  • General feeling of being unwell or tired or not having your usual energy
  • Irritability (young children)
  • Sleepiness (young children)

There may be other side effects of Fluzone 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?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Fluzone 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 Fluzone?

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

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

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

What should I know about Fluzone before using it?

Make sure that you get all doses of Fluzone that your health care provider recommends. Fluzone 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 to you by your health care provider before each vaccination. This document provides information regarding the benefits and risks of the vaccine.

Getting Fluzone can lower your chances of getting the flu. It does not guarantee that you will not get it. Talk to 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 during this period to ensure your safety.

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

Fluzone will not prevent other respiratory infections, such as the common cold.

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

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 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. 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 Fluzone while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Fluzone 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 Fluzone while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Fluzone?

For more information about Fluzone, you can call the drugmaker at 800-822-2463.

Interactions

Does Fluzone interact with foods or drinks?

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

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Fluzone.

Does Fluzone interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between Fluzone 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?

Fluzone 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?

Keep your appointment to receive Fluzone. If you miss your appointment to get Fluzone, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.