Hepatitis B vaccine administration: comparison between jet-gun and syringe and needle

An open randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted to compare the reactogenicity of a recombinant hepatitis B vaccine (Engerix-B) when injected with the Bioject device (a pneumatically powered drug delivery system using disposable syringes) or with conventional syringe and needle, according to a 0.1 and 6 month vaccination schedule. Ninety-seven healthy young adults were enrolled in this study. Participants were asked to record local and general solicited symptoms and signs after each vaccination and to report each unsolicited symptom and sign that occurred during the study. The use of the jet-gun induced a statistically significant higher incidence of local symptoms and signs (solicited and unsolicited) than the use of syringe and needle.