Side effects are usually mild and transient.  The most common are:

• Local reactions: pain, tenderness at the injection site
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Muscle pain and joint pain 

The influenza vaccine causes the body to produce antibodies against the virus. This means that when your body is exposed to the influenza virus, your body is able to defend itself. The antibodies stop the attacking virus. 

Recombinant technology is used to manufacture this vaccine. No eggs or flu virus are used in the manufacturing process. 

This vaccine has comparable efficacy and safety profile to the traditional inactivated influenza vaccines however it is more expensive than the traditional vaccines and there is less experience with it in Canada.

Advantages:

• not dependent on egg supply
• high vaccine purity
• exact match to the influenza strains recommended by the World Health Organization for inclusion in the seasonal influenza vaccines
• may have higher vaccine effectiveness than standard egg-based influenza vaccines
• may permit faster manufacturing in the event of a pandemic

Do not use this vaccine if:

• You are allergic to any of the ingredients in this vaccine. (Supemtek does not contain any antibiotics, preservatives or gelatin. It is latex-free.)

Speak to your health care provider if you:

• have an infection or temperature higher than 38.5°C. Your doctor may decide to delay vaccination until the illness has passed. A minor illness such as a cold is not usually a reason to delay vaccination.
• have low immunity due to treatment with certain medicines
• have or have had Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)

Use in pregnancy and breastfeeding: Considered safe