Fluzone High-Dose (Influenza Virus Haemagglutinin)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Fluzone High-Dose Used For?
Fluzone High-Dose is a specialized influenza vaccine designed specifically for adults aged 60 years and older to provide enhanced protection against seasonal flu.
Primary Uses
This vaccine helps protect against influenza (flu) and associated pneumonia in persons aged 60 years and older. It protects against three specific strains of influenza virus included in the vaccine or closely related strains.
How It Works
Fluzone High-Dose works by helping your body make antibodies. These antibodies help your body recognize the flu virus and prevent infection. It takes a few weeks for your body to produce these protective antibodies after vaccination.
Good to know: You need to receive a flu vaccine every year because previous injections are unlikely to protect against the current strains of flu virus most common each year.
How to Take Fluzone High-Dose
Fluzone High-Dose is administered by a healthcare professional as a single injection. You cannot give this vaccine to yourself.
Dosage Instructions
Your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist will give you a single 0.5 mL injection into the muscles of your upper arm. This is a one-time annual vaccination.
Important: Your doctor will recommend the best time for you to be vaccinated each year, as flu is present every year even when epidemics are not reported.
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Pain at injection site
- Redness at injection site
- Swelling and hardness at injection site
- Bruising at injection site
- Itching at injection site
- Muscle aches
- Feeling unwell
- Headache
- Fever and chills
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Cough
- Dizziness
- Tiredness
- Vomiting
- Flushing
- Hives
- Joint pain
- Night sweats
- Rash
- Runny nose
- Pain in arms or legs
- Sore throat
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) with swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (severe skin condition with blisters)
- Numbness or pins and needles sensation
- Neurological disorders including Guillain-Barré Syndrome
- Stiff neck, confusion, paralysis
- Seizures or convulsions
- Facial palsy (Bell’s palsy)
- Vision problems
- Fainting shortly after vaccination
- Blood vessel inflammation
- Chest pain
- Wheezing or difficulty breathing
- Excess blood in the white of the eye
Important Warnings
There are important safety considerations before receiving Fluzone High-Dose. Make sure to discuss your medical history with your healthcare provider.
Who Should Not Take Fluzone High-Dose
Do not receive this vaccine if you are allergic to the active ingredients or any ingredients listed in the medication guide, or if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction after getting any flu vaccine.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have or have had Guillain-Barré syndrome (severe muscle weakness) after getting a flu vaccine, immune response problems, bleeding problems or bruise easily, or if you have an illness with high or moderate temperature or acute illness (vaccination should be postponed until recovery).
Allergic Reactions: Call your doctor immediately if you notice signs of allergic reactions including difficulty breathing, swelling of face, lips, throat or tongue, cold clammy skin, palpitations, dizziness, weakness, fainting, rash or itching.
Drug Interactions
Some medications may interfere with Fluzone High-Dose and affect how well it works. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking.
Other Vaccines: Your doctor will advise you if Fluzone High-Dose may be given with another vaccine at the same time.
- Corticosteroids (such as prednisone)
- Cancer treatment medicines (chemotherapy)
- Radiotherapy
- Other medicines affecting the immune system
Alcohol & Driving
Take precautions with activities requiring alertness after receiving your vaccination.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Do not drive or use machines if you are feeling unwell after vaccination. Wait until any effects of the vaccine have worn off before you drive or use machines.
Storage
Fluzone High-Dose is usually stored at your doctor’s office, clinic, or pharmacy. If you need to store it: Keep it in the original packaging in the refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C. Do not freeze. Do not use after the expiry date or if packaging is damaged. Keep away from children. Take any unwanted vaccine to a pharmacy for safe disposal.
Overdose Information
Fluzone High-Dose is given as a single dose by a healthcare professional, so overdose is unlikely. If you have concerns about your vaccination, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
It takes a few weeks for your body to produce the antibodies that provide protection against influenza after receiving the vaccine.
Previous flu vaccine injections are unlikely to protect against the current strains of flu virus most common each year, so you need annual vaccination, especially if you are at risk.
Fluzone High-Dose will not prevent flu if you are already incubating the disease before vaccination or if it is caused by a virus not included in the vaccine.
Call your doctor immediately or go to the nearest emergency department if you experience difficulty breathing, swelling of face, lips, throat, or tongue, or other signs of severe allergic reaction.
Your doctor will advise you if Fluzone High-Dose may be given with another vaccine. Always check with your healthcare provider about timing of different vaccinations.
If you have an illness with high or moderate temperature or an acute illness, vaccination should be postponed until after you have recovered.
Tell your doctor if you have immune response problems, as the immune response to the vaccine may be diminished. Your doctor will determine if vaccination is appropriate for you.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.