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Harmful Side Effects of the Flu Vaccine

Flu season is in the air, and there are some side effects you can encounter after being vaccinated with the seasonal flu vaccine. Remember, different side effects can be associated with the seasonal flu shot and the \"live attenuated influenza vaccine,\" or LAIV.

  1. Side Effects of the Flu Shot

    • The viruses in the seasonal flu shot are killed, so you cannot get the flu from a flu shot. Some minor side effects that could occur are:

      •Soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site
      •Fever
      •Aches

    The Nasal Spray (LAIV) Vaccine: Side Effects in Children

    • LAIV, which is distributed under the brand name FluMist®, is a vaccine made with live, weakened flu viruses that do not cause the flu. According to the CDC, \"FluMist® is approved for use in healthy people 2-49 years of age who are not pregnant.\" Since the viruses in the nasal-spray vaccine are weakened, they do not cause severe symptoms often associated with influenza illness. Some possible side effects for children are:

      •runny nose
      •wheezing
      •headache
      •vomiting
      •muscle aches
      •fever

    The Nasal Spray (LAIV) Vaccine: Side Effects in Adults

    • Side effects from the nasal spray flu vaccine are somewhat different from those outlined for children. They can include:

      •runny nose
      •headache
      •sore throat
      •cough

    Vaccine Effectiveness

    • The ability of a flu vaccine to protect a person depends on the overall health and the age of the person. Also, the seasonal flu vaccine is only effective against the three strains of the flu virus predicted to be the most prevalent for the upcoming flu season. If you are exposed to a strain not on the list, the flu shot will not keep you from getting sick.

    Warnings

    • Some people should not get a flu vaccine without first consulting a physician. This means you if:

      * you have a severe allergy to chicken eggs
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      * you have had a reaction to the flu vaccine in the past
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      * you have developed Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) within 6 weeks of getting a flu shot.

      If you are sick now, especially if you have a fever, wait until you have recovered before getting a flu shot.

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