Acceptance of Intanza® 9 μg intradermal influenza vaccine in routine clinical practice in Australia and Argentina.

Introduction: Intanza® 9 μg (Sanofi Pasteur SA, Lyon, France), a split virion trivalent influenza vaccine delivered by intradermal injection with a microinjection system, became available as a vaccination for adults aged 18 to 59 years old, as of the 2010 southern hemisphere influenza season.

Methods: This study was designed to assess the acceptability of intradermal vaccination with Intanza 9 μg in routine clinical practice by adult vaccinees and their prescribers. Prescribers and healthy adults 18 to 59 years old in Australia and Argentina who had elected to be vaccinated with Intanza 9 μg during the 2010 southern hemisphere influenza season were recruited to complete surveys about their opinions of influenza vaccination and acceptance of the intradermal vaccination.

Results: 1402 vaccinees and 30 prescribers in Australia, and 264 vaccinees and 16 prescribers in Argentina responded to surveys. In both countries, 98% of vaccinees were satisfied or very satisfied with Intanza 9 μg. The main reasons for satisfaction were that the injection was considered minimally painful and that the vaccination was quickly administered. Most (95%) vaccinees reported that they would prefer to receive the same vaccination next year. Furthermore, 85% of prescribers were satisfied or very satisfied with the intradermal vaccine.

Conclusion: Intradermal vaccination for seasonal influenza using Intanza 9 μg is well accepted both by adult vaccinees and prescribers. By providing an additional, well-accepted method, Intanza 9 μg might help increase seasonal influenza vaccination rates in adults.