CPT® Code 90654

Deleted

A trivalent, split virus, preservative-free influenza vaccine product for intradermal use is provided under CPT® Code 90654. This vaccine is designed to stimulate the immune system to produce its own antibodies against specific strains of the influenza virus, thereby providing active, long-term immunity. Unlike immune globulins, which offer short-term, passive immunity, vaccines like this one expose the recipient's immune system to altered versions of the virus, prompting a robust immune response. The body retains a memory of how to produce these antibodies, ensuring a quicker and more effective response upon subsequent exposures to the virus.

The term "preservative-free" indicates that the formulation does not contain the preservative thimerosal, or contains only trace amounts of it. The FDA recognizes both thimerosal-free and thimerosal-reduced formulations as preservative-free, and they are labeled accordingly. This vaccine is specifically administered via intradermal injection, which is a distinct procedure that must be reported separately. The production of this influenza vaccine involves the use of embryonated chicken eggs, where the virus is harvested, inactivated with formaldehyde, concentrated, purified, and chemically disrupted to create a split virus. The trivalent formulation includes two different strains of influenza type A and one strain of influenza type B, ensuring broad protection against circulating influenza viruses.