Intradermal FAQs
What is the intradermal flu vaccine?
The intradermal flu vaccine is a flu shot injected into the skin instead of the muscle with a 90% smaller needle. According to the CDC,
the intradermal shot uses a much smaller needle and therefore requires less antigen to be as effective as a regular shot. Antigen is the part of the vaccine that helps your body build protection against flu viruses.
Who can get the intradermal flu vaccine?
It's is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for adults ages 18 through 64. The regular flu shot continues to be an option for
those 6 months and older.
What should you know about the intradermal vaccine?
It uses a very fine needle that is 90% smaller than the needles used for regular flu shots. This might be helpful for people who don't like
needles. It also requires 40% less antigen than the regular flu shot. That means that the same amount of antigen can make more doses of the vaccine.
Does the intradermal flu vaccine provide the same protection?
Yes. The intradermal vaccine has shown to provide an immune response similar to the regular flu shot given in the muscle to adults ages 18–64.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "Intradermal Influenza (Flu) Vaccination Questions & Answers." Available at
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/vaccine/qa_intradermal-vaccine.htm accessed on July 30, 2012.
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