What It Is:
Who Can and Can't Get It:
The Fluzone Intradermal vaccine is approved for use by adults ages 18 to 64.
Like the traditional flu shot, you should not get the intradermal flu shot if you have a severe egg allergy, are allergic to any components of the vaccine, or you have a history of Guillain-Barre syndrome.
How It Works:
The intradermal flu vaccine is injected into the skin rather than the muscle, using 40% less antigen than the traditional flu shot. The antigen is the part of the vaccine that creates immunity to the flu virus in the body. The same three strains of influenza that are included in the traditional flu shot and the nasal spray flu vaccine are included in the intradermal flu vaccine.
After it enters the body, the Fluzone intradermal vaccine works just like the traditional flu shot.
Potential Side Effects:
Side effects from the Fluzone Intradermal flu vaccine are similar to those of the traditional flu shot. They include:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Pain
- Toughness
- Itching (all of the above at the injection site)
- Headaches
- Muscle Aches
- Tiredness
Reactions at the injection site (other than pain) were more common with the intradermal vaccine than with the traditional flu shot.
Although extremely rare, if you have symptoms of a severe reaction, such as difficulty breathing, severe swelling or numbness, seek medical attention immediately.
What Else You Need to Know:
The Fluzone Intradermal flu vaccine is very similar to the traditional flu vaccine in how it works and its efficacy. Because the needle and the amount of vaccine administered is so much smaller, it should be far less painful than a regular flu shot. It is a good option for people who do not like shots but aren't candidates for FluMist.
The vaccine will be available in pre-filled syringes that contain no thimerosal. Talk to your health care provider or pharmacist if you are interested in the Fluzone Intradermal flu vaccine.
Source:
"Intradermal Influenza (Flu) Vaccination." Questions & Answers: Seasonal Influenza 06 Jul 11. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 20 Aug 11.
