Influenza Virus Vaccine
Influenza, also known as the flu, is a contagious disease that is caused by influenza viruses. Influenza viruses infect the respiratory tract (nose, throat, and lungs) in humans. The flu is different from a cold, mainly because the symptoms and complications are more severe. Influenza usually comes on suddenly and may include these symptoms: fever, headache, malaise (a feeling of being ill and without energy that can be extreme), cough, sore throat, nasal congestion and body aches.
A lot of the illness and death caused by the flu can be prevented by a yearly flu vaccine. People in high-risk groups and people who are in close contact with those at high risk should get a flu vaccine every year as recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).
A flu vaccine can be given to anyone who wants to avoid the flu(persons over 6 months of age). Persons who provide important community services (such as police, fire department personnel, emergency medical services) should consider getting a flu vaccine so that those services are not disrupted during a flu outbreak.
Health Care Personnel Initiative to Improve Influenza Vaccination Toolkit
Influenza Vaccine Product Information
Composition, Lot Release and Other Seasonal Information
- Influenza Virus Vaccine for the 2008-2009 Season
- Influenza Virus Vaccine for the 2007-2008 Season
- Influenza Virus Vaccine for the 2006-2007 Season
- Influenza Virus Vaccine for the 2005-2006 Season
- Influenza Virus Vaccine for the 2004-2005 Season
- Influenza Virus Vaccine for the 2003-2004 Season
- Influenza Virus Vaccine for the 2002-2003 Season
- Influenza Virus Vaccine for the 2001-2002 Season
- Influenza Virus Vaccine for the 2000-2001 Season
- Influenza Virus Vaccine for the 1999-2000 Season
Publications
- A Ready Supply of Influenza Vaccine (Consumer Update, October 23, 2007)
- FDA Finalizes Guidances for Pandemic and Seasonal Influenza Vaccines (FDA News, May 31, 2007)
- Study: Half of People at High Risk Unaware They Need a Flu Shot (January-February 2007 FDA Consumer Magazine)
- Influenza: Vaccination Still the Best Protection (September-October 2006 FDA Consumer Magazine)
Useful Information from CDC
Pandemic Influenza
- Pandemic
- FDA and Pandemic Influenza
- Influenza Virus Vaccine, H5N1
- H5N1 Influenza Virus Vaccine Questions and Answers
- PandemicFlu.gov
- Draft Pandemic Influenza Preparedness and Response Plan (Federal Register Notice - August 27, 2004 )
- Guidance for Industry: Clinical Data Needed to Support the Licensure of Pandemic Influenza Vaccines