Influenza Virus Vaccine, H5N1

Generic name: H5N1 influenza virus vaccine [ In-floo-EN-za-VYE-rus-VAX-een ]
Brand names: Influenza Virus Vaccine, H5N1, Inactivated
Drug class:Viral vaccines

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 14, 2022.

What is Influenza Virus Vaccine, H5N1?

H5N1 influenza is sometimes called avian flu or "bird flu" because it is usually found in birds, including domestic poultry such as chickens and geese. You cannot become infected with H5N1 influenza from eating fully cooked poultry products.

Influenza A subtype H5N1 is caused by a virus, and this virus affects mainly birds in Asia and Africa. Human infection with H5N1 influenza is rare, but you can become infected by having direct contact with sick or dead birds that have been infected with H5N1 influenza virus. You may also come into contact with H5N1 influenza virus if you visit a live poultry market.

Although H5N1 influenza virus is not easily transmitted from person to person, you can become infected if you have prolonged close contact with another person who has become infected with avian flu.

Influenza Virus Vaccine, H5N1 is used to help prevent disease in people who are at risk of coming into contact with infected birds or other sources of the virus.

Influenza Virus Vaccine, H5N1 is for use in adults and children who are at least 6 months old.

Influenza Virus Vaccine, H5N1 works by exposing you to a small dose of the virus, which causes the body to develop immunity to the disease. This vaccine will not treat an active infection that has already developed in the body.

Like any vaccine, the H5N1 influenza virus vaccine may not provide protection from disease in every person.

Warnings

You should not receive a booster vaccine if you had a life threatening allergic reaction after the first shot.

Before taking this medicine

Your should not receive Influenza Virus Vaccine, H5N1 if:

• you are allergic to eggs; or

• you have had a life-threatening allergic reaction to influenza vaccine or "flu shot."

Before receiving Influenza Virus Vaccine, H5N1, tell your doctor if you have ever received an influenza vaccine that caused Guillain Barré syndrome (within 6 weeks after receiving the vaccine).

If you have any of these other conditions, your vaccine may need to be postponed or not given at all:

• an allergy to eggs or chicken products;

• a weak immune system (caused by disease or by using certain medicine); or

• if someone in your household has a weak immune system.

You can still receive a vaccine if you have a minor cold. In the case of a more severe illness with a fever or any type of infection, wait until you get better before receiving Influenza Virus Vaccine, H5N1.

It is not known whether H5N1 influenza virus vaccine will harm an unborn baby. However, if you are at a high risk for infection with H5N1 influenza during pregnancy, your doctor should determine whether you need Influenza Virus Vaccine, H5N1.

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