Intramuscular versus intradermal administration for influenza vaccination in college students: A pilot study

College student populations are considered at greater risk of contracting influenza due to their close living conditions. Despite this increased risk, college students are reluctant to obtain annual vaccination. This pilot study sought to determine perceptions of students on a college campus who received the annual influenza vaccination via an intradermal route. Participants and methods: Forty-nine college students participated in the IRB approved study. After receiving the intradermal influenza vaccination, participants completed a demographic survey and vaccination perceptions questionnaire. Results: Participants were more likely to want to have an intradermal injection in the future and reported less pain with the intradermal injection. Additionally, individuals who reported greater pain with the intramuscular injection in the past were significantly more likely to want to receive an intradermal injection in the future (p < 0.019). Conclusions: Results suggest that intradermal route of vaccination may be more appealing to the college population.