CPT® Code 90685

A quadrivalent influenza virus vaccine, specifically identified by CPT® Code 90685, is a split virus formulation that is preservative-free and intended for intramuscular administration. This vaccine is designed to provide active, long-term immunity against influenza by introducing altered versions of the virus into the recipient's immune system. Unlike immune globulins, which offer short-term, passive immunity, vaccines stimulate the immune system to produce its own antibodies, enabling the body to recognize and combat the virus upon future exposure. The preservative-free aspect of this vaccine indicates that it does not contain the preservative thimerosal, or contains only trace amounts, and is classified as either thimerosal-free or thimerosal-reduced, both of which are recognized by the FDA as preservative-free. The vaccine is prepared using embryonated chicken eggs, where the virus is harvested, inactivated with formaldehyde, concentrated, purified, and chemically disrupted to create a split virus. This specific formulation protects against four strains of influenza viruses, including two type A strains and two type B strains. For accurate reporting, CPT® Code 90685 is used for a 0.25 mL dosage of the vaccine administered intramuscularly, while CPT® Code 90686 is designated for a 0.5 mL dosage. It is important to note that these codes solely represent the vaccine product and that the intramuscular injection itself should be reported separately.