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

Abstract

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. 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. 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. 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.