Via practica 12/2009

Intradermal influenza vaccine – the vaccine for the future

Inactivated Influenza vaccines have been used for more than 60 years. The current trivalent inactivated influenza vaccines protect hundreds of millions of people worldwide every year, but coverage rates are still to low, especially among younger adults. A continuing programme of vaccination is needed because influenza remains a serious disease, mainly in the elderly. The risk of serious complication or death is highest among the elderly and those with chronic illnesses (asthma, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, etc.) influenza related mortality has increased substantially in the past 20 years, partly because of the aging population. Using a simple and reliable intradermal injection system, Sanofi Pasteur has developed a new seasonal influenza vaccine with superior immunogenicity for the elderly, which is expected to translate into improved protection against influenza. The ID vaccine should also be considered as an alternative to intramuscular vaccination to favour increased uptake among healthy adults.

Keywords: influenza, intradermal vaccine, microinjection system.