Influenza mRNA vaccine

Influenza ("the flu") is a common and very contagious illness caused by influenza viruses. It can affect your nose, throat, and lungs and may lead to symptoms like fever, chills, tiredness, muscle aches, sore throat, and cough. For some individuals, influenza can result in serious complications, such as pneumonia.

Influenza mRNA vaccine is intended for people 50 years of age and older to help prevent influenza (flu).

Influenza mRNA vaccine does not contain influenza viruses and cannot give you the flu. It does not protect against other respiratory infections.

Like any vaccine, influenza mRNA vaccine may not protect every individual from disease.

This vaccine is given as an injection (shot) into a muscle.

Ask your vaccination provider when you should get your next influenza vaccine.

Fainting may happen. Be careful to avoid falling or getting injured accidentally.

Becoming infected with the influenza virus may be more harmful to your health than getting this vaccine.

You should not get this vaccine if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction to this vaccine or any of its ingredients.

Inform your vaccination provider if you have or have ever had:

• fainting after getting an injection;
• a weak immune system (due to a disease or certain medications); or
• Guillain-Barré syndrome (within 6 weeks after receiving a previous influenza vaccine).

Let your vaccination provider know if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Getting infected with the influenza virus may be more harmful to your health than receiving this vaccine. However, like any medicine, this vaccine can cause side effects, but the risk of serious side effects is very low.

Influenza mRNA vaccine may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor immediately if you have:

• fainting; or
• nervous system issues—numbness, pain, tingling, weakness, burning or prickly feeling, vision or hearing problems, trouble breathing.

Common side effects of influenza mRNA vaccine may include:

• pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site;
• underarm swelling or tenderness in the same arm where the vaccine was injected;
• headache, tiredness;
• muscle or joint pain;
• chills; or
• nausea or vomiting.

This is not a full list of side effects, and others may happen. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report vaccine side effects to the US Department of Health and Human Services at 1-800-822-7967.

Since this vaccine is given as a single dose, you will not have a regular schedule for getting doses.

An overdose of this vaccine is unlikely to happen.

Follow your vaccination provider's instructions about any limits on food, drinks, or activities.

Before getting this vaccine, inform the vaccination provider about all other vaccines you have had recently.

Other medications may impact this vaccine, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal products. Let your doctor know about all other medicines you are taking.