Influenza vaccine helps protect against flu caused by influenza virus.
It works by getting your body to produce antibodies (proteins that are produced by the immune system which help fight infections) to protect you against the influenza virus.
Influenza vaccine is to be given intramuscularly (into the muscle) or subcutaneously (into the fatty layer under the skin), usually in the upper arm or thigh.
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you.
Administration of Influenza vaccine may need to be repeated each year.
In children less than 9 years of age, the total number of injections for the year will be decided by the doctor depending on the child's vaccination history.
For children who will be receiving more than 1 dose for the year, ensure that you keep all appointments with the doctor so that your child does not miss any doses.
If your child misses an appointment or misses an injection, alert your doctor or nurse.
Do not use Influenza vaccine if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or any of its ingredients.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- bleeding disorder
- history of Guillain-Barre syndrome (a rare disorder in which your body's immune system attacks your nerves)
- weak immune system
- fever
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Influenza vaccine to a child or the elderly. Children or elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Influenza vaccine may cause any of the following side effects: headache, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, tiredness, fever, chills, muscle pain, joint pain, drowsiness and irritability (in children), and pain, redness, bruising, swelling or tenderness at the injection site.
If you develop rashes, breathlessness, swollen mouth or eyes after vaccination, inform your doctor immediately. These could be signs of an allergic reaction.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in the refrigerator, between 2-8°C.
Do not freeze Influenza vaccine otherwise, it will no longer be effective and should not be used.
Protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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