For the Stratis® Needle-Free Injector
How does the PharmaJet Stratis® Needle-Free Injector work?
The spring powered Injector delivers the vaccine by means of a narrow, precise fluid stream, which penetrates the skin in about 1/10 of a second and gets the vaccine where it needs to be. No external power source is required.
How is getting a needle-free vaccination different from a needle?
The PharmaJet Needle-Free Injector is fast and safe. Because it does not use any needles, it eliminates the possibility of needle stick injuries. The design of the syringe prevents any possibility of re-use and reduces the possibility of cross contamination. The PharmaJet Needle-Free Injector also provides individuals an alternative to receiving a flu vaccination in a way that reduces anxiety associated with needles.
What does the injection feel like?
Not unlike traditional injections, individuals will respond differently to the needle-free injection. Some feel nothing, while others have reported feeling the pressure of the injection or a snap like a rubber band when the injection is administered.
Is vaccine delivery with needle-free as effective as getting it with a needle?
Yes. According to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), “Immune responses generated by jet injectors…are usually equivalent to, and occasionally greater than, immune responses induced by needle injections”. 1 Additionally, a clinical study demonstrated that delivery of a flu vaccine with the PharmaJet Needle-Free Injector compared favorably to traditional needle and syringe delivery.2
Are there any restrictions on the use of the PharmaJet Needle-free Injection System for patients taking certain medications?
No. However, patients receiving anticoagulants or persons with hemophilia or other coagulation disorders may have more post-injection bleeding and/or bruising. Consult your physician before having any injection.
What if there is bleeding after the injection?
Similar to a needle, following the injection, a drop of blood may appear. This can be minimized by immediately applying pressure to the injection site for approximately 60 seconds with a cotton ball or gauze. An adhesive bandage can be applied if needed.
Will there be any side effects after receiving a flu shot with the PharmaJet Needle-Free Injector?
Vaccines are capable of causing side effects regardless of the method of delivery, needle or needle-free.3 In a clinical study, the PharmaJet Needle-Free injections had slightly higher local reactions e.g. soreness and bruising, than needle and syringe, but these were mild to moderate in intensity, well-tolerated and mostly resolved within three days. This did not impact the patient choice for needle-free as evidenced by 93% indicating they would choose to receive a needle-free flu shot again.4 Check the vaccine labeling for a description of possible local reactions.
Download and print this helpful resource.
Questions answered in this document used the following sources:
- ACIP/MMWR 28 January 2011; 60(No.RR-2). Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr6002a1.htm
- Needle-free jet injection for administration of influenza vaccine: a randomized non-inferiority trial, The Lancet, Volume 384, NO. 9944, p 674-681 August, 23, 2014; www.TheLancet.com
- www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vac-gen/side-effects.htm
- PharmaJet, Inc. (2014) 61-10201 Post Market Surveillance – internal company report, February, 2015.
- Refer to Instructions for Use to ensure safe injections and to review risks.
- For additional questions contact customer support at +1 888 900 4321 or Email support@pharmajet.com
