What is the reason for not giving flu shots to someone with a fever

[iRNman, BSN]

This might sound stupid, but why is a fever a contraindication for getting a flu shot? We were taught to take a temperature first but we were never told WHY.

[AZMOMO2]

Fever generally means that you have an active infection or virus your immune system is already working on. I think to be more effective the person should not be suffering an acute illness, since there are mild side effects sometimes to the flu shot that could be worsened if you are already ill.

[RFRN]

I agree with AZMOMO2, although in my facility we do not take a temperature - just ask if the patient is feeling well. Even though the flu vaccine given as an injection is inactivated, you don't want to run the risk of causing any other issues if the person is already ill. According to the CDC, potential side effects of the inactivated influenza vaccine include fever, cough, aches, headache, itching, and fatigue.

From the CDC website (the influenza VIS) - People who are moderately or severely ill should usually wait until they recover before getting flu vaccine. If you are ill, talk to your doctor about whether to reschedule the vaccination. People with a mild illness can usually get the vaccine.

[roser13, ASN, RN]

If your immune system is already defending you against something, as evidenced by the fever, you don't want to tax it by adding an additional agent to mount a defense against.

[nerdtonurse?, BSN, RN]

Also, if the pt has a reaction to the flu shot, and is already running a temp, you could miss the first signs that they're going to have a problem -- some people are allergic to the contents of the shot. I've seen people get hives, c/o pain at the site, and have mild flu like symptoms -- nothing life threatening, but there's always a first time for that, too....

[linearthinker, DNP, RN]

Fever and mild illness are not contraindications to receiving a flu shot.

[brighella]

Actually, due to the reasons given above, fever and illness, even if mild are contraindications. Im looking at the pamphlet from a vial of influenza vaccine right now.

[linearthinker, DNP, RN]

According to vaccine manufacturers: "the only absolute contraindication for the inactivated flu vaccine is history of anaphylaxis to egg protein. Other possible considerations are fever greater than 102.5, an impaired immune system as evidenced by Tcell count

[healthstar, BSN, RN]

I got vaccinated a week ago, and I asked the pharmacist why can't someone who has the flu get the shot. Her response was unlike the cold, people who have the flu usually have a fever and the vaccination tends to increase the temperature even higher, and you don't want that.