What are the side effects from inactivated influenza vaccine and what should I do if they occur?
A vaccine, like any medication, may cause serious problems, such as severe allergic reactions. The risk of inactivated influenza vaccine causing serious harm, or death, is extremely small. The viruses in inactivated influenza vaccine have been killed, so someone cannot get influenza (“flu”) from the vaccine. Any colds or other upper respiratory illnesses that may occur soon after getting this vaccine are just a coincidence. However, inactivated influenza vaccine can cause other side effects. Call your child’s doctor if he has any unusual problems after receiving this vaccine.
