Who should not receive inactivated influenza vaccine?

A severe allergic reaction after an earlier influenza vaccine or a confirmed allergy to an ingredient may mean the product is unsuitable or requires specialist advice. A moderate or mild reaction is not automatically a reason to avoid future vaccination. If you have a fever or a significant acute illness, the vaccinator may postpone the injection until you recover. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, chronic disease, and medicines should be discussed rather than treated as automatic exclusions.

Give the vaccinator a clear account of earlier vaccine reactions, allergies, current symptoms, pregnancy, and immune-related conditions. Take any written allergy or immunisation record to the appointment. Do not arrange a substitute vaccine or repeat a dose without professional guidance. The clinician can check the product ingredients, consider timing, and explain whether another formulation or supervised setting is appropriate.

After vaccination, seek urgent help for wheezing, difficulty breathing, swelling of the lips or throat, widespread hives, collapse, or rapidly worsening symptoms. Contact a clinician for a persistent fever, severe weakness, or a reaction that does not improve. If you have an acute illness before the appointment, ask the vaccination service whether to wait and how to protect yourself meanwhile.

Ask which ingredient or past reaction affects your decision, whether your current illness changes the timing, and whether vaccination should occur in a setting prepared to manage an allergic reaction.