Preparation Before Receiving a Flu Vaccine

Getting a Flu Vaccine: Important Information to Provide Before Your Shot

Before receiving the flu vaccine, it's essential to inform the hospital of the following details:

• Are there young children or elderly individuals living in your household?
• Do you have any chronic medical conditions?
• Are you currently taking any medications that affect blood clotting or suppress the immune system?
• Are you allergic to eggs or chicken?
• Are you currently pregnant?

Side Effects and Precautions

1. Possible Side Effects:

   • Local Reactions: Redness, swelling, pain, or bumps at the injection site.
   • General Reactions: Fever, discomfort, muscle aches, headache, joint pain, and other symptoms. These are more common in those receiving the vaccine for the first time. Symptoms may start within 6-12 hours and last for about 1-2 days without requiring treatment.
   • Allergic Reactions: Rare occurrences such as hives, asthma, or systemic anaphylaxis due to egg protein allergy.

2. Precautions and Contraindications:

   • The vaccine is contraindicated for individuals with a known allergy to egg or chicken proteins.
   • Postpone vaccination if you have a fever or an acute illness.
   • Delay vaccination in individuals with neurological disorders.
   • The vaccine is not recommended for those with a history of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS).
   • For those with compromised immune systems, whether due to genetics, immunodeficiency diseases, or immunosuppressive treatment, the vaccine may not produce the expected antibody response.
   • The flu vaccine does not provide 100% protection, as the virus strains change annually.

Best regards,
Vibhavadi Hospital