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This vaccine is important because
it protects against the influenza virus. Each year,
approximately 220,000 people in the United States are
hospitalized because of influenza (“the flu”), and 36,000
die. Nearly 100 of these deaths are in children. There are two kinds of influenza vaccines: the
inactivated (killed) influenza vaccine and the live
attenuated (weakened) influenza vaccine. Anyone 6 months of
age or older can receive the inactivated vaccine but the
live attenuated vaccine is recommended only for healthy,
non-pregnant people without asthma between the ages of 2 and
49 years.
Influenza can cause high fevers, pneumonia and
seizures in children. Prevention is the key to not
contracting the flu, and the most effective preventive method
is receiving an annual influenza vaccination.
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Who should receive the inactivated influenza vaccine?
Everyone 6 months of age or older should receive the inactivated influenza vaccine
annually.
Who should not be given
Inactivated Influenza?
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People who have a severe allergy
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People with severe allergies to any vaccine component
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People who are moderately or severely ill.
They should wait
until they have recovered to get this vaccine.
How long after receiving the
flu vaccine does it take to become protected?
It can take up to two weeks for inactivated
influenza
vaccine to become fully effective. The best time to get this
vaccine is as soon as it is available in September or
October. Even a late
vaccination in January (or later) can be beneficial.
Flu season may start as early as October usually peaks in
February and can extend through
late May.
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When did the inactivated influenza vaccine become available?
Since 1945, influenza vaccines have been available in the
United States. The vaccine is modified each year with three
virus strains that are predicted to be in the United States
during the upcoming winter. The inactivated (killed) vaccine
(TIV), commonly referred to as the flu shot, is given by
injection. A second flu vaccine, the live attenuated
influenza vaccine (LAIV) is given via nasal spray (a
separate description of this vaccine is available for
review).
How does someone become infected with influenza?
Influenza is most commonly spread from person to person. It
also may be spread when a healthy person touches something
with the flu virus on it (e.g., hands of an infected person,
discarded tissue, etc) and then touches the nose or mouth.
How effective is the inactivated influenza vaccine?
When
the virus strains in the vaccine match those
viruses circulating in the U.S., the inactivated influenza
vaccine can protect between 45 percent and 90 percent of
vaccinated people. Inactivated influenza vaccine
also decreases middle ear infections in young children by
approximately 30 percent.
The inactivated influenza vaccine may prevent up to 90
percent of influenza cases in vaccinated healthy adults
under the age of 65.
Are there any serious side effects of the inactivated
influenza vaccine?
Serious side effects from the inactivated influenza vaccine
are quite rare. Mild side effects may include injection site
soreness and fever.
Can the vaccine give you the
flu?
It is a myth that inactivated
influenza vaccine causes influenza. The inactivated vaccine
contains killed viruses and cannot give you the flu.
How do I learn more about this vaccine?
The best person to ask about this or any vaccine is your
child’s pediatrician or your primary health care provider.
Your provider can answer your questions and give you more
information on the inactivated influenza vaccine.
Immunization is the best thing you can do for your child
and yourself to
protect against
influenza.
 
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