Fluad

The influenza vaccine is given once a year, usually in October or November, as an injection into a muscle (usually on the upper arm). It is given by a health care professional.

It is important Fluad (Influenza-vaccine) be given exactly as recommended by your doctor. If you miss an appointment to receive the influenza vaccine, contact your doctor as soon as possible to reschedule your appointment.

Fluad (Influenza-vaccine) is stored in the fridge and should be kept out of the reach of children. It should be protected from light and not allowed to freeze.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Fluad

Each 0.5 mL dose of sterile, milky-white suspension contains 3 strains of influenza virus. Nonmedicinal ingredients: adjuvant: squalene, polysorbate 80, sorbitan trioleate, sodium citrate, citric acid, water for injection; excipients: sodium chloride, potassium chloride, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, disodium phosphate dehydrate, magnesium chloride hexahydrate, calcium chloride dehydrate, and water for injection. The vaccine may contain trace amounts of the following: neomycin, kanamycin, Hydrocortisone, ovalbumin (egg protein), formaldehyde, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), and barium.

Fluad Pediatric

Each 0.25 mL dose of sterile, milky-white suspension contains 3 strains of influenza virus. Nonmedicinal ingredients: adjuvant: squalene, polysorbate 80, sorbitan trioleate, sodium citrate, citric acid, water for injection; excipients: sodium chloride, potassium chloride, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, disodium phosphate dehydrate, magnesium chloride hexahydrate, calcium chloride dehydrate, and water for injection. The vaccine may contain trace amounts of the following: neomycin, kanamycin, ovalbumin (egg protein), formaldehyde, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), and barium.

Do not receive this influenza vaccine if you:

• are allergic to any of the ingredients of Fluad (Influenza-vaccine) or any trace products found in Fluad (Influenza-vaccine)
• have a Fever or acute illness (except for minor illnesses)

There may be an interaction between the influenza vaccine and any of the following:

• Acetaminophen
• immunosuppressive therapy (e.g., some medications used for the treatment of cancer, Rheumatoid Arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease or for transplant recipients)
  • Azathioprine
  • Baricitinib
  • Belimumab
  • corticosteroids (e.g., budesonide, Dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, fluticasone, Prednisone)
  • Cyclosporine
  • Etanercept
  • Fingolimod
  • Hydroxyurea
  • Infliximab
  • Leflunomide
  • medications to treat cancer (e.g., Carboplatin, Cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin, Ifosfamide, Vincristine)
  • mycophenolate
  • Rituximab
  • siponimod
  • Tacrolimus

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Fluad (Influenza-vaccine). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking.

Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Fluad (Influenza-vaccine).

Allergic reactions: In rare instances, this vaccine may cause severe allergic reactions. This is why your doctor may ask you to stay in the office for about 30 minutes after having the vaccine so that you can get medical care if you experience an allergic reaction. If you notice signs of a severe allergic reaction (hives; trouble breathing or swallowing; or swelling of the lips, face, throat, or tongue), get medical attention immediately.

Allergy to eggs: People who have an allergy to eggs that causes anaphylaxis (hives, swelling of the mouth and throat, difficulty breathing) should discuss with their doctor the risks and benefits of receiving this vaccine and whether any special monitoring is needed. Bleeding: If you have a bleeding disorder or if you take anticoagulants (blood thinners), talk to your doctor about how this vaccine may affect your medical condition and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS): Guillain-Barre syndrome, a neurological disorder, has been rarely reported after this vaccine is given. If you experience any weakness or tingling in the legs, arms, or upper body, contact your doctor. Most people recover fully from GBS.

Immune system: As with any vaccine, influenza vaccine may not be as effective for those who have a weakened immune system (e.g., people on chemotherapy, people who have had an organ transplant, or people with HIV).

Vaccine protection: As with any vaccine, this vaccine may not protect 100% of people who receive it. The vaccine only provides protection against certain strains of the flu virus – the ones from which it was prepared (or ones that are closely related).

Pregnancy: If you are or may become pregnant while receiving Fluad (Influenza-vaccine), talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this vaccine. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommends influenza vaccination for healthy pregnant women.

Breast-feeding: Breast-feeding mothers can receive the influenza vaccination.

Children: The influenza vaccine is not recommended in children under 6 months of age.