What should you know about sanofi influenza vaccine?

An inactivated influenza vaccine contains virus material that cannot cause influenza infection. After vaccination, the immune system builds a response that may help it react more quickly if it encounters matching influenza viruses. Protection is not identical for every season because circulating viruses can change, and vaccination does not prevent every cough or fever caused by another infection.

A sore arm, temporary tiredness or a mild fever can occur after the injection. These reactions generally settle without special treatment, but tell the vaccinator about any previous serious reaction to a vaccine or any severe allergy.

Tell the healthcare professional if you are unwell, pregnant, immunocompromised, taking regular medicines or have had a serious allergic reaction to a previous influenza vaccine. Remain available for the observation period advised by the vaccination service. Keep the injection site clean, move the arm gently and use symptom relief only if it is suitable for you. Ask when seasonal vaccination should be repeated.

Seek urgent care for difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, widespread hives, collapse or severe dizziness after vaccination. Contact a clinician for a high or persistent fever, symptoms that are worsening rather than settling, or any reaction that concerns you. Mild arm soreness alone is usually managed with simple self-care.

Ask whether this inactivated vaccine is appropriate for you, which influenza strains it covers this season, when protection is expected to develop, and how to manage a previous vaccine reaction or egg allergy.