UPDATE 1-Sanofi "micro" flu shot wins European approval

* First of a new kind of vaccine against seasonal flu

* Developed in collaboration with Becton Dickinson

* Joint venture with Merck to market shot in W.Europe

(Adds details, background)

PARIS, Feb 26 (Reuters) - A new kind of "micro" vaccine against seasonal flu from Sanofi-Aventis (SASY.PA) has been cleared for sale by the European Commission, the French drugmaker said on Thursday.

The green light had been expected following a positive recommendation from the European Medicines Agency in December.

Sanofi's Intanza vaccine is the first intradermal microinjection flu shot and was developed in collaboration with Becton Dickinson (BDX.N), a specialist in injection technology.

Intradermal vaccination involves administering antigen into the dermal layer of the skin, which has a high concentration of specialised immune cells.

The shot is approved for use in adults 60 years of age and older, especially in those who run an increased risk of influenza-associated complications.