Influenza Virus Vaccine (Systemic)
Brand Names : FluMist, FluShield, Fluvirin, Fluzone, Fluviral, Fluviral S/F, flu vaccine
CategoryDescriptionInfluenza (in-floo-EN-za) virus vaccine is used
to prevent infection by the influenza viruses. The vaccine works by causing
your body to produce its own protection (antibodies) against the disease.
It is also known as a �flu shot.� New for the 2003-2004 flu season,
influenza virus vaccine is also available as a nasal spray.
There are many kinds of influenza viruses, but not all will cause problems
in any given year. Therefore, before the influenza vaccine for each year is
produced, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. and Canadian Public
Health Services decide which influenza viruses will be most likely to cause
influenza infection that year. Then they include the antigens (substances
that cause protective antibodies to be formed) to these viruses in the influenza
vaccine made available. Usually, the U.S. and Canada use the same influenza
vaccine; however, they are not required to do so.
It is necessary to receive an influenza vaccine injection each year, since
influenza infections are usually caused by different kinds of influenza viruses
each year and because the protection gained by the vaccine lasts less than
a year.
Influenza is a virus infection of the throat, bronchial tubes, and lungs.
Influenza infection causes fever, chills, cough, headache, and muscle aches
and pains in your back, arms, and legs. In addition, adults and children weakened
by other diseases or medical conditions and persons 50 years of age and over,
even if they are healthy, may get a much more serious illness and may have
to be treated in a hospital. Each year thousands of people die as a result
of an influenza infection.
The best way to help prevent influenza infection is to get an influenza
vaccination each year, usually in early November. Immunization (administration
of vaccine) against influenza is approved for infants 6 months of age and
over, all children, and all adults.
Influenza virus vaccine may not protect all persons given the vaccine.
This vaccine is to be administered only by or under the supervision of
your doctor or other health care professional. It is available in the following
dosage form:
Nasal
-
Nasal solution (U.S.)
Parenteral
-
Injection (U.S. and Canada)
Brand NamesSome commonly used brand names are:
In the U.S. -
- FluMist
- FluShield
- Fluvirin
- Fluzone
In Canada -
- Fluviral
- Fluviral S/F
- Fluzone
Generic name product may be available in the U.S.
Another commonly used name is flu vaccine
.
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