Clinical reactions to an adsorbed killed trivalent influenza vaccine (including A/New Jersey 8/76 antigen) with different immunization methods.

The local and general reactions of 489 individuals vaccinated with an adsorbed killed influenza vaccine (containing A/New Jersey 8/76, A/Victoria 3/75, B/Hong kong 8/73 antigens) were studied on the fourth day after vaccination. 179 participants were vaccinated by syringe, the rest by jet injector. Local indurations were observed in 7.3% of participants injected by needle versus 14.1% to 19.5%, respectively in individuals immunized with two different jet guns (Lodi, Scherer). 2 ulcerations on the injection site were found in the jet group. Complaints about local sensations were much fewer in the group injected by needle (2.8%) than in the groups injected by jet injectors (11.8-14.1%). Postvaccinal systemic reactions were similar (between 8.5-11.2%) in both groups. Febrile reactions were altogether low (2.8%).