Abbott influenza vaccine: what to know

The vaccine cannot prevent every respiratory illness, and protection is not immediate. Its purpose is to reduce the chance and severity of influenza, which is distinct from many other infections that cause cough, fever or a sore throat.

Injected flu vaccines commonly use inactivated viral material or selected components that cannot reproduce and cause influenza. The immune response they prompt prepares the body to recognise related influenza strains after later exposure.

A sore arm, tiredness, headache or mild fever can follow vaccination as the immune system responds. These effects are usually short-lived. A respiratory infection beginning around the appointment may be coincidental because several viruses circulate at the same time.

Tell the vaccinator about previous severe vaccine reactions, allergies, current illness, pregnancy, immune problems and medicines. Bring your vaccination record if available. A minor cold may not prevent vaccination, but a clinician should assess someone who is acutely unwell.

After the injection, move the arm gently and use a cool compress if the site is uncomfortable. Drink normally and follow professional advice on pain relief. Keep the product name and administration date with your health records.

Call emergency services for breathing difficulty, swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, widespread hives, collapse or severe dizziness after vaccination. These can signal a serious allergic reaction and require immediate treatment.

Seek clinical advice for a fever that is high or persistent, symptoms that are worsening rather than settling, or marked redness and swelling that continues to spread. Mention the vaccination timing and any other new medicines or exposures.

Ask which vaccine formulation suits your age and health, whether current illness changes the timing, and how a previous reaction affects today's decision. If another vaccine is due, clarify whether both can be given at the same visit.