Serious side effects

Serious side effects Serious side effects are rare with the flu shot, but they can include: High fever A fever greater than 101°F (38°C) isn’t common. If you’re concerned about a high fever, call your doctor. Severe allergic reactions Rarely, the flu vaccine can cause a severe allergic reaction. Severe allergic reactions usually happen within a few hours of receiving the vaccine. Symptoms include: hives swelling trouble breathing fast heart rate dizziness weakness If you have any of these symptoms, call your doctor right away. If they’re severe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) In very rare cases, some people who have received the flu vaccine have experienced Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). GBS is a neurologic condition that causes weakness and paralysis throughout your body. However, it’s not clear if the flu vaccine is the actual cause of GBS in these cases. GBS is more likely to occur in people who’ve had GBS in the past. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have a history of this condition. That said, having GBS in the past doesn’t always mean you can’t receive the flu vaccine. Talk to your doctor to find out if the flu vaccine is safe for you. Call your doctor right away if you have symptoms of GBS after receiving the flu shot. Deciding if you should get the flu shot The flu shot is typically recommended for everyone ages 6 months or older. Anyone at risk of serious complications from the flu should also receive the flu shot, which includes: pregnant women people ages 65 and older people with chronic health conditions as well as their caregivers The shot isn’t recommended for people who: have had an allergic reaction to the flu shot in the past have a severe allergy to eggs are currently sick with a moderate to severe fever Talk with your doctor The flu shot is a safe, effective treatment with few side effects. Still, if you’re concerned, you can talk to your doctor or pharmacist. They can help you decide if a flu shot is right for you. Questions you may ask include: Is getting a flu shot a good idea for me?