[1] vaccine information statement from the CDC
151122 Flu season is upon us and now is the time to consider getting your flu shot. The main reason for doing so is because we are at risk due to our respective ages. We are old and vulnerable.
3. Talk with your health care provider
Tell your vaccine provider if the person getting the vaccine:
Has had an allergic reaction after a previous dose of emphasis vaccine or has any severe life-threatening allergies. Has ever had Gillian bare syndrome also called GBS
In some cases, your healthcare provider may decide to postpone influenza vaccination to a future visit. People with minor illnesses, such as a cold, may be vaccinated. People who are moderately or severely ill should usually wait until they recover before getting the influenza vaccine.
Your healthcare provider can give you more information.
4. Risks of a vaccine reaction
Soreness, redness, and swelling where the shot is given, fever, muscle aches, and headache can happen after influenza vaccination.
There may be a very small increased risk of Gillian Barre syndrome GBS after inactivated influenza vaccine the flu shot.
Young children who get the flu shot along with the pneumococcal vaccine PCV13, and or the DTaP vaccine at the same time might be slightly more likely to have a seizure caused by fever. Tell your healthcare provider if a child who is getting the flu vaccine has ever had a seizure.
People sometimes fate after medical procedures including vaccination tell your provider if you feel dizzy or have vision changes or ringing in the ears.
As with any medicine, there is a very remote chance of a vaccine causing a severe allergic reaction, other serious injury, or death.
5. What if there is a serious problem
An allergic reaction could occur after the vaccinated person leaves a clinic. If you see signs of a severe allergic reaction (hives, swelling of the face, and throat, difficulty breathing, a fast heartbeat, dizziness, or weakness) call 911 and get the person to the nearest hospital.
Or other signs of concern, call your healthcare provider.
Adverse reactions should be reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). Your healthcare provider will usually file this report, or you can do it yourself. Visit the VAERS website at www.vaers.hhs.gov or call 1-8—0822-7967.AVERS is only for reporting reactions and VAERS staff do not give medical advice.
6. The national vaccine injury compensation program
The national Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) is a federal program that was created to compensate people who may have been injured by certain vaccines. Visit the VICP website at https://www.hrsa.gov/vaccinecompensation
Or call 1-800-338-2382 to learn about the program and about filing a claim. There is a time limit to file a claim for compensation.
8. How can I learn more?
- Ask your healthcare provide
- Call your local or state health department
- Contact the Centers for Disease control and prevention CDC
- Call 1-800-232-4636 or visit CDC www.cdc.gov/flu
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