FDA approves first quadrivalent intradermal influenza vaccine

the Oncology Nurse Advisor take:

Sanofi Pasteur has announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Fluzone Intradermal Quadrivalent vaccine. A trivalent formulation of the vaccine has been available for 3 years, but the quadrivalent formulation will help to protect against four strains of influenza rather than three.

The vaccine is approved for adults aged 18 to 64 years for the prevention of infection by influenza A and B subtypes. The trivalent vaccine protects against two influenza A subtypes and only one influenza B subtype, but it is influenza B that is a common cause of morbidity and morality associated with influenza.

The most common adverse effects observed in clinical trials were erythema, headache, induration at the injection site, malaise, myalgia, pain, pruritus, and swelling. These reactions typically occurred within 3 days of vaccination and were mild to moderate in severity.

In addition, the intradermal vaccines is equally as effective as an intramuscular flu shot. Like other flu shots, the Fluzone Intradermal Quadrivalent vaccine should not be administered to patients with egg allergies or to anyone who has experienced a hypersensitivity reaction to a previous influenza vaccine.