Product Information
You can order Flu Vaccines from Canada!Fluviral S/F belongs to a group of medications known as vaccines. It is used to prevent influenza ("the flu"). Influenza is a common viral illness caused by two types of virus, influenza A and influenza B. Each year, different strains (new, slightly different versions of the virus) appear. Scientists predict which strains will be most likely for the coming year, and then these strains are used to make up the year's influenza vaccine. Each year's influenza vaccine contains three virus strains that are likely to circulate in Canada in the coming winter. The vaccine only provides protection against the strains of flu virus used to prepare the vaccine. the flu vaccine increases a person's defenses against the influenza virus. the flu vaccine works by introducing very small amounts of viral components (parts) into the body. These components are enough to stimulate the production of antibodies (cells designed to attack that particular virus), which will remain in the body ready to attack that same virus in the future. There are many kinds of influenza viruses, but not all will cause problems in any given year. Therefore, before the influenza vaccine for each year is produced, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. and Canadian Public Health Services decide which influenza viruses will be most likely to cause influenza infection that year. Then they include the antigens (substances that cause protective antibodies to be formed) to these viruses in the influenza vaccine made available. Usually, the U.S. and Canada use the same influenza vaccine; however, they are not required to do so. The influenza vaccine is given once a year, usually in October or November, as an injection into a muscle (usually on the upper arm). It is given by a health care professional. Each dose of 0.5 mL of a whitish, slightly opalescent liquid, contains three strains of influenza virus. The composition of Fluviral S/F is established in agreement with the recommendations of the Canadian National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI). The vaccine also contains thimerosal as a preservative, and small amounts of egg proteins and deoxycholate. Influenza vaccine should not be used by anyone who:*is allergic to any ingredient of this medication
*is allergic to eggs, neomycin, or thimerosal
*is under six months of age
*has an acute illness (except for minor illnesses without fever)
*has an active neurological disorder
Side effects of Fluviral S/F such as tenderness, redness, or hard lump at place of injection or aches or pains in muscles generally do not last for more than 1 or 2 days; check with your doctor if they continue or become bothersome. Be sure to mention any side effect to your doctor, as it may mean that you are allergic to the vaccine. If so, it would not be safe for you to have more doses of the same type of vaccine. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you. Allergic reactions: Rarely, this vaccine may cause severe allergic reactions. This is why your doctor may ask you to stay in the office for about 30 minutes after having the vaccine so that you can get medical care if you have an allergic reaction. If you notice the signs of a severe allergic reaction (hives, trouble breathing or swallowing, or swelling of the lips, face, throat, or tongue), get medical attention immediately. Injections into a muscle, including influenza vaccine, should be given with care to people with blood-clotting disorders. As with any vaccine, influenza vaccine may not be as effective for those who have a weakened immune system (e.g., people on chemotherapy, people who have had an organ transplant, or people with HIV). This vaccine may not protect 100% of people who receive it. The vaccine only provides protection against certain strains of flu virus, the ones from which it was prepared (or ones that are closely related). The following medications may affect how influenza vaccine works, be affected by influenza vaccine, or increase the risk of side effects:
immune globulin
*salicylates (e.g., ASA)
*other live vaccines
*antineoplastic medications (e.g., methotrexate)
*corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone)
*warfarin
An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. In many cases, interactions are intended or are managed by close monitoring. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed. Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.
