What is influenza? And why do I need a vaccine?
Flu, or influenza, is a respiratory disease caused by influenza virus. People who get the flu may have fever, chills, headache, dry cough and muscle aches, and may be sick for several days. Most people recover completely. For some, however, the flu may be especially severe, and pneumonia or other complications including death may develop. The types and strains of flu can change every year. The U.S. Public Health Service and the Center for Biologics Evaluation & Research of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration selects the strains that have most recently caused influenza. It is recommended that you get a flu vaccine with the beginning of each flu season.
Can I get the flu from the vaccine?
The vaccine cannot give you the flu because it is a killed virus vaccine. If you develop flu like symptoms after the vaccine it may be that you have already been exposed to the flu before receiving the vaccine. While the vaccine cannot stop the flu once it has begun, it may make symptoms less severe. Some people do experience mild side effects. Most common is soreness in the vaccine site or possibly a mild fever. These side effects usually last only 24 hours. There is a possibility, as with any vaccine or drug, an allergic reaction or other serious reaction could occur. Moreover, untold medical events completely unrelated to the vaccine administration may occur coincidentally in the aftermath period following vaccination.
Are you under the age of 18?
Are you allergic to Thimerisol or eggs?
Are you pregnant?
Do you have an active neurological disorder (ex: Guillian-Barre Syndrome, epilepsy)?
Do you have a fever, acute respiratory or other active infection or illness?
If you have answered “YES” to any of the above questions,
it is recommended you DO NOT receive this vaccination today!
RELEASE
I have read the above information about influenza vaccine. I understand the benefits and risks of receiving an influenza vaccination and voluntarily request that the vaccine be given to me. I hereby agree to indemnify, defend, hold harmless, and release Clinical Health Appraisals Inc. and all of their respective contractors, sponsors and officers from any and all liability arising from or in any way connected with this vaccination.
