Influenza season is from November through April in the US. Each year, the influenza virus changes after an outbreak. A new influenza vaccine must be manufactured each year, in order to be effective against the new virus. Influenza vaccinations are given at the beginning of each flu season. Although the vaccine does not guarantee protection from infection, the risk of infection is reduced greatly.

There are two types of vaccine:

• Influenza immunization injection
• Influenza immunization nasal spray

Annual influenza vaccine is recommended for the following:

• Care givers of children under the age of 6
• Anyone over 50 years old
• Children from 6-23 months of age
• Those who live in dormitories
• Health care workers
• Nursing home residents
• Pregnant women
• Those who have:
• Anemia
• AIDS
• Asthma
• Cancer
• COPD
• Cystic fibrosis
• Diabetes
• Heart failure
• Kidney failure
• Liver disease

This vaccine should not be given to certain people. These include:

• Anyone who has had Guillain-Barre syndrome
• Anyone who is ill with a fever over 100.4 degrees F (38 C)
• Anyone with an allergy to eggs
• Females in the early stages of pregnancy

Side Effects
Side effects from influenza vaccination in adults are relatively rare. In children, side effects may be more common. Influenza vaccine cannot cause influenza. The most commonly reported effect is soreness around the vaccination site for several days after the vaccination. This can occur in about one out of every three people getting this vaccine.

Other reported side effects include:

• Fever
• Malaise
• Muscle aches
• Other flu-like symptoms

They are most common in those who have not been exposed to the influenza vaccines, such as young children. These reactions begin 6 to 12 hours after vaccination and can last for 1 or 2 days. Minor symptoms can be treated with acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Avoid the use of aspirin in children because of the risk of Reye's syndrome.

Allergic Reactions
Immediate allergic responses to flu vaccine occur very rarely. When they do occur it is usually within minutes to hours of receiving the shot. Severe allergic reactions may cause hives, breathing problems, horse voice, paleness, dizziness, and low blood pressure. There have been rare reports of Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) after a flu vaccine.

Despite a small chance of a serious reaction, there is no doubt that the vaccination is safer than the risks of influenza. Vaccination is also far less expensive and more effective than using anti-flu medicines for a flu infection or exposure.

Home care of minor influenza vaccine reactions:

• Use acetaminophen or ibuprofen for mild fever, aches and pains.
• Use warm compresses to help relieve inflammation.
• Mild redness and swelling of the injection site may be expected.

Notify your doctor if:

• You become very weak, confused or disoriented after the vaccine
• You develop a high fever or persistent vomiting after the vaccine
• You develop a new seizure or fit after the vaccine
• You develop a widespread rash after the vaccine
• You develop increasing pain, redness and swelling of the injection site that does not respond to home care
• You develop a boil or draining pus from the injection site
• You develop worsening weakness in the legs after the vaccine