We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is an Inactivated Influenza Vaccine?

By Lindsey Rivas
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 1,698
Share

An inactivated influenza vaccine contains strains of killed influenza viruses grown in chicken eggs, as opposed to the flu mist that has live viruses. The strains in the vaccine change annually to try and match the ones most likely to circulate and cause the flu. It is generally recommended that everyone over the age of six months get vaccinated against the flu, especially those considered to be high risk, although there are some cases in which the vaccine should not be received. It is rare to have serious complications from an inactivated influenza vaccine, but there are a few possible side effects.

Since the strains of influenza viruses that circulate can change frequently, scientists try to match the virus in the inactivated influenza vaccine to the strains most likely to circulate during flu season each year. The vaccine will typically contain three strains of killed influenza viruses, such as influenza A/H1N1, A/H3N2, and influenza B. It takes approximately two weeks after receiving the injection for the body to build protection by producing antibodies, and the protection lasts about a year. Getting an inactivated influenza vaccine cannot cause influenza because it does not contain live viruses.

Health officials generally recommend getting an inactivated influenza vaccine just prior to the start of the flu season, which is in the winter months for most countries. The vaccine is given by injection into the muscular area of the upper arm. Many locations offer flu vaccines, like doctor’s offices, health clinics, and pharmacies. Sometimes schools, churches, and senior centers will offer it as well.

The inactivated influenza vaccine is usually approved for those aged six months and older. Children under the age of nine might need two shots given one month apart, but those older than nine usually only need one per year. Doctors typically recommend that everyone get vaccinated each year, especially those who are at high risk for complications from the flu. High risk individuals include health care workers, those in close contact with children under six months old, pregnant women, and those over age 50. People who live in nursing homes or have chronic medical conditions might also be high risk.

There are some cases in which people should not receive an inactivated influenza vaccine. Those who have had severe allergic reactions to the vaccine or any of its components, or those who are allergic to chicken eggs should not get it. People who are moderately or severely ill should wait until they recover. Additionally, those who have ever had Guillain-Barre syndrome should consult a doctor prior to receiving an influenza vaccine.

Most people who get the inactivated influenza vaccine do not experience any complications, but there are a few side effects possible. The most common ones are soreness and swelling at the injection site. Less than 1% of people will have other side effects, including low-grade fever, cough, and aches. Side effects might begin shortly after getting the shot but will typically disappear within one to two days.

In rare instances, people might have an allergic reaction to the vaccine. Signs of a serious reaction include difficulty breathing, hives, fast heartbeat, and dizziness. When a reaction does occur, these symptoms usually happen within a few minutes of getting the shot.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-an-inactivated-influenza-vaccine.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.