New emerging technologies and the intradermal route: the novel way to immunize against influenza

Influenza-related illness is an enormous health burden in all age groups. Immunization remains the best method of prevention, yet despite the availability of a safe and effective vaccine, many individuals go unvaccinated each season. Intradermal (ID) vaccination represents an alternative approach to standard intramuscular (IM) vaccination and takes advantage of the immunologically active dermis capable of producing a robust immune response. Enhanced immunogenicity with ID vaccination compared with standard IM vaccination has been observed in several groups with a history of poor vaccine response rates, such as older adults and haemodialysis patients. In addition, these methods of delivery may increase acceptability in children and persons with needle phobias, thus addressing some of the present barriers to influenza immunization. (c) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.