MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Influenza vaccines

Skip navigation

Medical Encyclopedia

Influenza vaccines

Influenza vaccines are developed each year to protect people from the three strains expected to be most prevalent. All the viruses in the vaccine are killed, so it is not possible to get the flu from the vaccine.

Update Date: 1/18/2006

Updated by: John Goldenring, M.D., M.P.H., Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2008, A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.