Fluzone High-Dose QIV (Influenza Virus Haemagglutinin)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Quick Facts
What Is Fluzone High-Dose QIV Used For?
Fluzone High-Dose QIV is a vaccine specifically designed to help protect people aged 60 years and older against influenza (flu) and associated pneumonia.
Primary Uses
This vaccine is recommended to help protect against influenza (flu) and associated pneumonia in persons aged 60 years and older. It protects against four different strains of influenza virus that are expected to circulate each flu season.
How It Works
Fluzone High-Dose QIV works by helping your body make antibodies. These antibodies help your body recognize the flu virus and help prevent infection. It takes a few weeks for your body to produce these protective antibodies. The vaccine will only help prevent flu if it's caused by one of the four virus strains in the vaccine or closely related strains.
Good to know: You need to receive a flu vaccine every year because previous flu vaccines are unlikely to protect against the current strains of flu virus most common each year.
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How to Take Fluzone High-Dose QIV
Fluzone High-Dose QIV is given as a single injection by a healthcare professional and does not require any special preparation from you.
Dosage Instructions
Fluzone High-Dose QIV is given as a single 0.7 mL injection into the muscles of your upper arm. The injection is administered by your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. Only one dose is needed per flu season.
Important: This vaccine must be given by a healthcare professional. You cannot administer it yourself.
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
- Vertigo
- Tiredness
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- 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
- Encephalomyelitis and transverse myelitis
- Seizures or convulsions
- Facial palsy (Bell's palsy)
- Vision disorders
- Fainting shortly after vaccination
- Blood vessel inflammation
- Chest pain
- Wheezing and throat tightness
- Difficulty breathing
Important Warnings
Before receiving Fluzone High-Dose QIV, it's important to tell your healthcare provider about your medical history and any allergies you may have.
Who Should Not Take Fluzone High-Dose QIV
Do not receive this vaccine if you are allergic to the active ingredients or any other ingredients in the vaccine, or if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction after getting any flu vaccine. The vaccine contains less than 1 microgram of egg protein per dose.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have or have had Guillain-Barré syndrome (severe muscle weakness) after getting a flu vaccine, have an immune response problem, have bleeding problems or bruise easily, or have an illness with high or moderate fever or an acute illness. Vaccination should be postponed until after you have recovered from acute illness.
Allergic Reactions: Tell your healthcare provider 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 medicines may interfere with Fluzone High-Dose QIV and affect how it works. Always tell your healthcare provider about all medicines you are taking.
Other Vaccines: Your doctor will advise you if Fluzone High-Dose QIV may be given with another vaccine.
- Corticosteroids (such as prednisone)
- Medicines used to treat cancer (chemotherapy)
- Radiotherapy
- Other medicines affecting the immune system
Alcohol & Driving
After receiving Fluzone High-Dose QIV, you should be cautious about driving or operating machinery if you feel unwell.
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 QIV is usually stored at your doctor's office, clinic, or pharmacy. If you need to store it: Keep it in the refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C. Do not freeze. Keep it in the original packaging until it's time to be given. Do not use after the expiry date. Do not use if packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering. Keep away from children.
Overdose Information
Since Fluzone High-Dose QIV is given as a single dose by a healthcare professional, overdose is unlikely. If you have concerns about the vaccine or experience any unusual symptoms after vaccination, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
It takes a few weeks for your body to produce the antibodies that help protect against flu after receiving the vaccine.
You need to receive a flu vaccine every year because previous flu vaccines are unlikely to protect against the current strains of flu virus most common each year.
Fluzone High-Dose QIV will only help prevent flu if it's caused by one of the four virus strains contained in the vaccine or other strains closely related to them. It will not prevent flu caused by other viruses.
The vaccine will not prevent flu if you are already incubating the disease before vaccination, but the vaccine itself does not cause flu.
Call your doctor straight away 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.
Your doctor will advise you if Fluzone High-Dose QIV may be given with another vaccine.
If you have an illness with high or moderate temperature or an acute illness, vaccination should be postponed until after you have recovered.
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.