Does Flu Vaccines Have Active Viruses?

Dear Ask The Doctor: Hi. Can you tell me if the flu shot I get at the doctor's office is considered "active" or "inactive."

Dear Heather: The Flu shot is an inactivated vaccine (containing killed virus). Flu vaccines protect against three of the most commonly occurring influenza viruses. Some minor side effects that could occur are: soreness, redness, or swelling at the site of the injection, fever and body ache.