Influenza vaccination in healthcare workers; comparison of side effects and preferred route of administration of intradermal versus intramuscular administration. Issue 11 (13th March 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Meijer, W.J.; Wensing, A.M.J.; Bos, A.A.; Kuiphuis, J.C.F.; Hagelen, E.M.M.; Wilschut, J.C.; de Vries, M.J.T.; Riezebos-Brilman, A.
• Is Part Of: Vaccine. Volume 35:Issue 11(2017)
• Page Start: 1517
• Page End: 1523
• Publication Date: 2017-03-13
• Subjects: Influenza -- Vaccine -- Intradermal -- Health care workers; Vaccines -- Periodicals; 615.372
• DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2017.01.065
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-410X

Abstract

Highlights: The side effects of intradermal and intramuscular influenza vaccine are different. Health care workers do not prefer one type of vaccine to the other. Probably, introduction of an intradermal influenza vaccine will not affect uptake. Abstract: Objective: To explore the nature and severity of side effects and future preference of intradermal versus intramuscular influenza vaccination in healthcare workers. Design: Prospective cohort study. Setting: Two University Medical Centers in The Netherlands. Participants: Healthcare workers receiving an influenza vaccination. Methods: Healthcare workers that were vaccinated during the influenza vaccination season of 2012–2013 were approached for participation in a questionnaire study. The questionnaire was divided into two parts. The first part had to be answered directly after vaccination and the second part two weeks after vaccination. The motivation for vaccine uptake, whether or not the HCWs had direct contact with patients and the prevalence and severity of local and systemic side effects of influenza vaccination were explored. In addition, it was assessed how participants experienced the vaccination and which type of administration they preferred for future vaccination. Results: Side effects of vaccination were more prevalent in the intradermal group versus the intramuscular group (56% versus 26%, p < 0.001). Local side effects were perceived as more severe in healthcare workers receiving the intradermal vaccine. Directly after vaccination, healthcare workers preferred the intradermal vaccination. Two weeks after vaccination both types of vaccine were equally appreciated. Conclusions: This study shows that there are significant differences in the nature and severity of side effects upon intramuscular and intradermal influenza vaccination. This difference did not result in a preference among the vaccinated subjects for one type of vaccine.