Selecting the proper needle length when vaccinating your patients is critical – vaccine must reach the desired tissue site for optimal immune response to occur. To determine the proper needle length to use in each situation, you must consider the following factors:
Below is a summary of the guidance for choosing the proper needle length for intramuscular and subcutaneous injections based on CDC�s General Best Practice Guidelines for Immunization (Vaccine Administration). Show FOR INFANTS, CHILDREN, AND TEENS Intramuscular (IM) injections: Injection site and needle size
Subcutaneous (Subcut) injections: Injection site and needle size
FOR ADULTS Intramuscular (IM) injections The deltoid muscle is most often used as the site for IM injections in adults. Needle length is usually 1"–1�", 22–25 gauge, but a longer or shorter needle may be needed depending on the patient's weight. Note: An alternate site for IM injection in adults is the anterolateral thigh muscle. The needle length and gauge are the same as when the deltoid muscle is used, i.e., 1"�1�" length, 22�25 gauge. You should choose needle length based on the weight of your adult patients, as follows:
Subcutaneous (Subcut) injections
Administering Vaccines to Adults: Dose, Route, Site, and Needle Size How to Administer Intramuscular and Subcutaneous Vaccine Injections How to Administer Intramuscular and Subcutaneous Vaccine Injections to Adults IAC�s Handouts: Administering Vaccines gateway page IAC�s Clinic Tools: Administering Vaccines gateway page CDC Vaccine Administration gateway page CDC Vaccine Administration Resource Library with instructive videos on vaccine administration CDC Epidemiology and Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases (�The Pink Book"), Chapter 6, Vaccine Administration: Route and Site
What type of needle is used for intramuscular injections?Intramuscular (IM) injection
Use a 22-25 gauge needle. Choose the injection site and needle length appropriate to the person's age and body mass.
What is the preferred intramuscular injection site in adults?A ventrogluteal site is the most commonly used and recommended site for IM injections in adults and children of walking age because of the large muscle mass. This site is located away from the superior and inferior gluteal arteries as well as the sciatic and superior gluteal nerves,9 and is also the least painful.
What is the most commonly used size needle for IM injection?Most adolescents and adults will require a 1- to 1.5-inch (25–38 mm) needle to ensure intramuscular administration.
Which syringe is best for IM injection?Administer vaccine using either a 1-mL or 3-mL syringe. Use a 22- to 25-gauge needle. Use the correct needle length based on the patient's gender and weight. For adults, use a 1- to 1.5-inch needle.
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