Self-Immunization with Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine in a Mass Vaccination Clinic

OBJECTIVE: An influenza pandemic may demand that a large number of influenza immunizations be rapidly given with limited resources. This study tested the utility and practicality of self-immunization with live attenuated influenza intranasal vaccine in a mass vaccination event. METHODS: The self-immunization clinic model was evaluated in a three-tiered fashion using student, first responder, and open community events. RESULTS: A single nurse was easily able to direct 89 people through the process of self-administration of the vaccine in a three-hour first-responder event and 122 people in a three-hour open community event. 96% of participants believed that they had performed the self-administration correctly, and the same percentage reported that they would like to receive influenza immunization by self-vaccination in the future. CONCLUSIONS: The self-immunization clinic is a practical and potentially useful model in an influenza pandemic setting.