Refresher on vaccine administration

The CDC provides resources on proper vaccine administration technique.

Keep in mind this influenza season: Proper vaccine administration is critical. All personnel who will administer vaccines, including new and temporary staff, should receive training and education in vaccine administration before providing vaccines to patients. Proper vaccine administration includes assessing for needed vaccines, screening for contraindications and precautions, educating patients regarding the vaccine, appropriate documentation, and proper injection technique
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With so many people receiving the influenza vaccine this season, be sure that you know the proper injection practices for administrating flu vaccines. Flu vaccine given by intramuscular injection should be administered to older children and adults in the thickest part of the deltoid muscle in the lateral upper arm. Giving the injection too low or too high can result in injection too close to the bone or joint. Needle length also is important and depends on the age and weight of the patient. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) recently released a report in August titled Adverse Effects of Vaccines: Evidence and Causality. IOM evaluated the risk of deltoid bursitis after intramuscular vaccination and found that injection of a vaccine could lead to deltoid bursitis.

Most people receiving flu shots have no problems at all. Nevertheless, CDC encourages health care providers to remain committed to quality care and diligent in eliminating potential medical errors.

Please keep in mind that many community Pharmacists have been trained and certified to administer flu vaccines to adult patients. Please check with your local Pharmacist to see if they provide this important and convenient service.

As a refresher for health care providers on correct vaccine administration technique, please consult these resources:
www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/pinkbook/downloads/appendices/D/vacc_admin.pdf
www.immunize.org/catg.d/p3085.pdf
www.pharmacist.com/imz (scroll down to Immunization Administration)
www.immunize.org/dvd

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