Needles are a big reason many patients opt out of protecting themselves with vaccinations.
A survey conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of Target Corp. found that about a quarter of adults who would skip the flu vaccine indicated that they would do so because they don’t like needles. A 2012 study published in the journal Vaccine found that 24 percent of parents and 63 percent of children fear needles, and that these fears lead to immunization non-compliance for 7 percent of parents and 8 percent of children.
One company, however, is working to eliminate needles from the vaccine process entirely.
“The PharmaJet Needle-Free Injector minimizes injection-associated fear and anxiety, and since there is no needle, there is no chance of needlestick injuries or needle reuse,” said Ron Lowy, chairman and CEO of PharmaJet.
Needle-free technology
The PharmaJet Needle-Free Injector eliminates the use of needles by delivering vaccines intramuscularly or subcutaneously. A narrow, precise fluid stream carries the vaccine through the skin, administering the vaccine safely and effectively and in less than one-tenth of a second.
Although the technology is still new, initial responses from patients and health care providers have been positive. A PharmaJet survey of patients who received the Needle-Free flu shot found that 96 percent were satisfied with the experience, 93 percent would choose it again and 92 would recommend it to others.
And, a survey of health care providers found that nearly half believe PharmaJet Needle-Free technology has the potential to increase vaccination rates by 10 percent or more.
Currently, PharmaJet technology is FDA-approved for use with the AFLURIA® flu vaccine, and it holds the Performance, Quality and Safety pre-qualified certification from the World Health Organization.
“PharmaJet is the first and only jet injector company to have completed a clinical trial specifically designed to demonstrate safety and non-inferior immune response with a flu vaccine,” Lowy said.
Pharmacy use
The PharmaJet Needle-Free Injector could be the boost your pharmacy’s vaccination program needs to grow and succeed.
“In a market that has historically been very competitive, the needle-free option provides a unique and compelling differentiator for independent pharmacies to attract and maintain customers,” Lowy said.
For more information on the PharmaJet Needle-Free Injector, visit pharmajet.com.
Why eliminate needles?
Needle-free vaccinations have the potential to reduce many problems surrounding vaccines today. Check out these numbers about needles and health care.
800 million – Number of injections administered worldwide each year for immunizations
42 – Percent of injections administered worldwide each year with reused equipment
18 – Outbreaks of viral hepatitis in the U.S. due to unsafe injection practices between 2001 and 2011
150,000 – Number of patients affected by unsafe injection practices in the U.S. since 2001
800,000 – Number of needlestick injuries that occur each year in the U.S.
Sources: World Health Organization; One & Only Campaign led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Occupational Safety & Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor
