Needle-Free Flu Vaccine Favored by Pharmacists, Patients

The vast majority of health care professionals who administered a no-needle influenza vaccine this year would like to offer it again next flu season, according to a survey conducted by PharmJet.

“The survey results point to the acceptance and preference for a needle-free flu shot option and represent a significant opportunity to expand influenza immunizations,” said PharmaJet Chairman and CEO Ron Lowy in a press release. “In environments like pharmacies, it provides the ability to attract new customers, particularly those with a reluctance to get injections with needles, which can subsequently increase store traffic.”

In fact, roughly half of the 67 immunizers surveyed said the needle-free injection will increase vaccination rates in their facility by 10% or more. Additionally, 91% of the providers reported that the device was "easy to use" and 87% expressed a desire to have it as an option in their facility for the 2015-2016 flu season.

Among the nearly 1500 patients surveyed after just receiving the PharmaJet flu shot at select retail pharmacies and a few other facilities, 96% said they were satisfied with the technology, and 93% said they would opt for it again next flu season. Furthermore, 92% indicated that they would likely recommend the needle-free alternative to friends and family members.

“The PharmaJet Needle-Free flu shot is safe for health care providers and patients, quick to administer, and the survey confirms that most patients would choose it again,” Lowy continued. “We believe that offering a needle-free option can significantly increase flu shot compliance, as a recent report showed that nearly one-quarter of individuals avoid being vaccinated because they don’t like needles.”