CPT® Code 90667

The CPT® Code 90667 refers to the influenza virus vaccine specifically formulated for pandemic situations. This vaccine is a split virus type, which means it is created from a virus that has been inactivated and broken into smaller pieces, allowing the immune system to recognize and respond to it without causing disease. The pandemic formulation is distinct from standard influenza vaccines as it is designed to address new strains of the virus that emerge during pandemics, when the population has little to no pre-existing immunity. This vaccine is adjuvanted, meaning it contains additional substances that enhance the body's immune response to the vaccine, thereby increasing its effectiveness. The vaccine is administered via intramuscular injection, which is a common route for delivering vaccines, ensuring that the vaccine components are effectively absorbed into the bloodstream. The production of this vaccine involves several steps, including the use of embryonated chicken eggs for virus cultivation, inactivation with formaldehyde, concentration, purification, and chemical disruption to create the split virus. This process ensures that the vaccine is safe and effective for use, particularly in vulnerable populations such as the elderly, who may have a reduced immune response. The distinction between this adjuvanted formulation and other types of influenza vaccines, such as preservative-free options, is crucial for proper coding and billing in medical practices.