The influenza virus vaccine is an inactivated virus vacccine that is administered to prevent influenza.
Because there are many different strains of influenza, the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, Georgia and the World Health Organization create a vaccine each year that they believe best represents the strains that are likely to appear during the upcoming flu season.
The influenza virus vaccine works by introducing a dead or inactive flu virus into the body which stimulates the immune system into producing antibodiesA protein immunoglobulin which is produced naturally by the body and is essential to the immune system by working to combat foreign bodies, germs or bacteria. They are produced by thelymphoid tissue and consist of different classes each of which is designed to fight specific antigens. They include agglutinins, bacteriolysins, opsonins and preciptin.
Visit our comprehensive glossary for more pregnancy terms and definitions. to fight the virus.
There is no evidence of problems caused by the influenza virus vaccine during pregnancy. Consult your doctor for specific advice for this year's strain.
Common brand names
Common side effects
There is no evidence of problems caused by the use of influenza virus vaccine while breastfeeding.
The influenza virus vaccine is not recommended for babies under the age of six months. For children under the age of thirteen a 'split-virus' vaccine is recommended.
There are no known food interactions.
There are no special warnings regarding the consumption of alcohol in conjunction with the influenza virus vaccine.
Consult your doctor before receiving the influenza virus vaccine if you have a history of any of the following:
You should consult your doctor about drug interactions before receiving the influenza virus vaccine if you are taking any prescription or over the counter medication.
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