Is there any contraindications for flu shot.Can i have flu shot if i have a cold?

The influenza vaccine works by promoting immunity to influenza by inducing production of antibodies. It generally takes between 2 and 4 weeks from the time of vaccine to have full antibody levels. How long the vaccine will last is unknown.

The vaccine itself is changed slightly every year, to help protect against the most common strains of influenza. Therefore, it is important to have annual influenza vaccines.

It is possible to experience headache, general malaise (a 'washed out' feeling), some general aches and pains (mylagia), soreness at the injection site, redness or swelling at the injection site, fever, and in some very rare cases anaphylaxis from the immunization. Severe reactions are rare.

Certain immunosuppressants may reduce the immune response to the vaccine. Patients receiving immunosuppressants should be closely monitorred.

Generally, the influenza vaccine is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to eggs or components of the vaccine. Vaccinations should be delayed in patients with acute respiratory or other active infections, and in those iwth active neurologic disorders.

Ideally, vaccines should be administered between October and November to allow for plenty of time for antibodies to 'build'. With the delay in vaccines in years past, it is important to remember that a late vaccine is sometimes better than no vaccine. Check with you physician about this. Vaccines from last year ARE NOT effective against this year's strains of influenza.

Influenza vaccines should not be given with some other vaccines. Before having more than one 'shot' at a time, ask your physician or nurse if they can be combined.

Influenza vaccines don't 'cause the flu'. You may have slight fever, aches, or weakness following vaccination for 6 - 12 hours after. In almost all cases, this feeling is gone within 2 days. These reactions are not common, and generally acetaminophen for the fever and aches, and ice for soreness at the injection site, help.

A case of true influenza can lead to pneumonia, hospitalization, or even death. The vaccine is a simple - yet fairly effective - way to help prevent this.

And, not to be an alarmist, if you weren't convinced already, the CDC this year is recommending vaccines against influenza because initial inhalation anthrax symptoms can mimic influenza. So, to help treat you appropriately in 'worse case disasters', be fully immunized, and tell your physician what immunizations you have received.

Best wishes for a healthy winter,
Carol

[This message has been edited by Carol Isaac MacKusick (edited 10-23-2001).]