Influenza A Virus Vaccine (H5N1) and Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS)

• Generic Name: influenza virus vaccine, h5n1
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names:

  Influenza Virus Vaccine, H5N1, Inactivated

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.