Intanza®: a new intradermal vaccine for seasonal influenza

Seasonal influenza causes annual epidemics in temperate climates and is associated with economic costs, morbidity and mortality. Vaccination is the primary method of prevention. Intanza (R) (Sanofi Pasteur, Lyon, France) is a newly licensed, trivalent, inactivated influenza vaccine that is delivered intradermally with a proprietary micoinjection system. Two dosage formulations have been approved for use in Europe and Australia. The dosage level of 9 mu g of hemagglutinin per strain is approved for persons 18-59 years of age, and its immunogenicity is noninferior to the standard dosage (15 mu g per strain) administered intramuscularly. In addition, the dosage level of 15 mu g of hemagglutinin per strain administered intradermally is approved for persons 60 years of age and older and has superior immunogenicity compared with that induced by the same dosage administered intramuscularly. Intanza has more frequent injection-site reactions than intramuscularly delivered vaccine, but it is safe and well tolerated. Intanza provides a new option for the prevention of influenza.