Influenza Vaccines
What You Need to Know

What if there is a moderate or severe reaction?

What should I look for in a reaction?
Any unusual conditions, such as a serious allergic reaction, high fever or unusual behavior. Serious allergic reactions are extremely rare with any vaccine. If one were to occur, it would most likely be within a few minutes to a few hours after the vaccine. Signs can include difficulty breathing, hoarseness or wheezing, hives, paleness, weakness, a fast heart beat or dizziness.

In the event of a reaction, what should I do?

  • Call a doctor, or get the person to a doctor right away
  • Tell your doctor what happened, the date and time it happened, and when the vaccination was given
  • Ask your doctor, nurse, or health department to file a Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) form, or call VAERS yourself at 1-800-822-7967
  • Additional Resources are available at www.cdc.gov/flu or by calling the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Immunization Information Hotline at 800/232-2522 (English), 800/232-0233 (Spanish)

Content derived from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases
and American Academy of Pediatrics Policy