New Fluzone Intradermal vaccine - what do you all think?

michigansapphire · Nov 2, 2012

Our Employee Health department offered me a choice between the IM and the intradermal. I chose the ID - it was not pain-free, but much less painful than the IM. I had a small wheal at the site for 2-3 days, about the size of a mosquito bite.

PediLove2147, BSN, RN · Nov 2, 2012

We are doing the old fashioned flu shots at my work too. I WISH we had these though. I imagine it is a cost thing though, I am sure the intradermal is much more expensive.

Let us know how it goes, if you end up getting it on yourself.

That Guy, BSN, RN, EMT-B · Nov 3, 2012

I've heard nothing but bad reviews of the ID route. Everyone I know has said it is way worse than an IM.

They tried to give it to me and I said no way. GIve me the old fashioned needle.

Anna Flaxis, BSN, RN · Nov 3, 2012

The IM route is not live virus either. The nice thing about the ID vaccine is that it takes less antigen and is just as effective.

I've had the IM and the intranasal, and I must admit I liked the intranasal better. I have never suffered any ill effects from the flu vaccine, but something about not being poked with a needle felt a bit less distressing. I think if my workplace offered the ID, I'd take it over the IM.

mariebailey, MSN, RN · Nov 3, 2012

I received the ID this year, and it was painless with zero SE for me. I'll go for it every year if it's available. It's only 0.1ml. I read that it works as well as the IM b/c there are more immune cells in skin than muscle, which makes sense.

olddragger · Nov 15, 2012

I understand what you are saying but I do respectfully disagree on some points.

In response one question I posed was "Why did the Federal Governement set a precedance by providing a compensation program from those adversly affected by the vaccine", not which system was best. Should the Federal Government do this for all medications?

Another point was concerning your response of "herd vaccinations". I do understand the theroy but who draws the line? Do the "ends justify the means"? That is dangerous governmental thinking.

Comparing school vaccinations to the flu shot is not apples to apples and I am suprised that was compared.

We all have our own thoughts and opinions and that is good. I enjoy a good intelligent objective conversation.

sisyphusNOsissy · Oct 17, 2014

I did not try the intradermal but am the guy that is giving the flu shots to our employees at work. So far the feedback has not been positive, but the the flu shot this year seems to be a bit more bothersome either IM or ID. I have been trying to find out if it the intradermal seems quicker and more convenient as I have an hour to give 25 shots next week before a meeting.

The intradermal seems to not make people bleed, it is a very short needle and not having to attach the needle eliminates a step

The literature calls for it to be placed over the deltoid, but I wonder if other spots would work as well, like you can with insulin or Heparin. One co-worker had tight sleeves and I tried the upper triceps (back of the upper arm) which she said was painful so that was not a good idea. It leaves a puffy boil a lot like a ppd, but I don't think I would try it over the forearm. (generally people are less likely to wear short sleeves in upstate NY in October)

The more I write, the more I like the old IM though, plus our intramuscular flu shot protects from 4 strains of the flu and the intradermal only 3.

I will bring both and give people a choice, but I want to be able to give them good information on the intradermal, so your thoughts are appreciated.

thanks