Also indexed as: Begrivac®, Fluarix®, Fluogen®,
FluShield®, Fluviral S/F®, Fluvirin®, Fluzone®, Inactivated Influenza
Vaccine, Influvac Sub-unit®, Vaxigrip®
The influenza vaccine is given by injection to help prevent influenza (flu), particularly in people with compromised immune
systems. The vaccine is altered yearly to correspond to mutations in the flu virus.
Summary of
Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, and Foods
In some cases, an herb or supplement may appear in more than one category, which may seem
contradictory. For clarification, read the full article for details about the summarized
interactions.
 May be Beneficial: Side effect
reduction/prevention—Taking these supplements may help reduce the likelihood and/or
severity of a potential side effect caused by the medication. |
Eleuthero*
|
| May be Beneficial: Supportive
interaction—Taking these supplements may support or otherwise help your medication
work better. |
Asian ginseng*
|
| Depletion or interference |
None known
|
| Reduced drug
absorption/bioavailability |
None known
|
| Adverse interaction |
None known
|
An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the
interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific
evidence.
Interactions with Herbs
Asian ginseng
(Panax ginseng)
In a randomised, double-blind study, 227 people received influenza vaccine plus 100 mg of
standardized extract of Asian ginseng or placebo two times per day for four weeks before and
eight weeks after influenza vaccination.1 Compared with placebo, Asian ginseng
extract was reported to prevent colds and flu,
improve immune cell activity, and increase antibody levels after vaccination.
Eleuthero
Some Russian studies suggest that eleuthero (Siberian ginseng) may reduce the risk of
postvaccination reactions.2
References
1. Scaglione F, Cattaneo G, Alessandria M, Cogo R. Efficacy and safety of
the standardized ginseng extract G 115 for potentiating vaccination against common cold and/or
influenza syndrome. Drugs Exptl Clin Res 1996;22:65–72.
2. Zykov MP, Protasova SF. Prospects of immunostimulating vaccination
against influenza including the use of Eleutherococcus and other preparations of
plants. In New Data on Eleutherococcus: Proceedings of the Second International Symposium
on Eleutherococcus, Moscow, 1984, 164–9.
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Learn more about the authors of Using
Medicines with Vitamins and Herbs
The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational
purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro),
clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may
not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with
prescription or over-the-counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor,
practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or
before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2005.