Most vaccines on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) are administered via intramuscular or subcutaneous route. Correct injection technique is of paramount importance when administering vaccines to ensure optimal immune response, minimise side effects and to reduce the risk of injury to the patient. Show
Preparing the site for injectionThe skin at the injection site should be visibly clean prior to administering a vaccine. The swabbing of clean skin before giving an injection is not necessary. If the skin is visibly dirty, clean the site with alcohol wash/single use alcohol swab and allow the site to dry completely before administering the injection. If active/infected eczema is present at the recommended site, consider an alternate site to minimise the risk of injection site abscess. If there is no alternate site suitable, consider cleaning the site with an alcohol based wash/single use alcohol swab and allowing the site to dry completely before injecting. Recommended injection sites by ageInfants < 12 monthsThe recommended injection site is the middle third of the vastus lateralis (anterolateral thigh). To locate the correct anatomical site for injection:
Where only two vaccines are scheduled it is recommended to give one vaccine into each thigh. If more than two vaccines are recommended at the one visit, two vaccines may be given into each thigh ensuring they are separated by 2.5 cm.  Do not inject into the anterior aspect of the thigh as underlying structures may be damaged. In some circumstances (eg; congenital limb malformations, active eczema or hip brace placement) alternate sites should be considered. In these scenarios, alternate sites include the deltoid or opposite anterolateral thigh (ensuring that each vaccine has a 2.5cm spacing). Children ≥ 12 months of age, adolescents and adultsThe recommended injection site is the deltoid (upper arm). To locate the correct anatomical site for injection:
More than one vaccine can be given into the deltoid muscle ensuring each vaccine is separated by 2.5cm. For children at 12 and 18 months of age the anterolateral aspect of the thigh may be used as an alternate site when giving more than 2 vaccines [see resources]. Positioning for vaccinationInfants and younger childrenIt is important that children remain still during a vaccination to ensure that the vaccine can be administered into the correct anatomical site, as well as reduce the risk of any unintended injury (eg. needle stick injury). It is important to involve both the child and parent/guardian in discussions when deciding if a child can sit independently or requires support. When positioning a child for vaccination it is important to ensure that they are comfortable and the mobile joints of the limb receiving the vaccine are stable. The immunisation provider must be able to adequately visualise the anatomical landmarks and correct site for injection (deltoid or anterolateral thigh). Infants can be held in the cuddle position or on their parents lap facing the provider, with the parent/guardian holding their arms securely and their thighs completely exposed. Younger children can be held in the cuddle or straddle positions with their upper arm completely exposed as demonstrated in the clip below. Older children, adolescents and adultsIt is recommended that older children, adolescents and adults sit in a straight-backed chair with their feet on the floor for vaccine administration. Providers should encourage the vaccine recipient to relax their forearms and rest their hands on their upper thighs, keeping their arms flexed at the elbow to assist in relaxing the deltoid muscle. Vaccine recipients who are prone to vasovagal responses (fainting) should be vaccinated lying down to prevent unintended injury due to a fall. Recommended needle size, length and angle for administering vaccinesAge or size of the patientNeedle typeAngle of needle insertionInfant, child or adult for IM injection22 – 25 gauge, 25mm in lengthhttps://mvec.mcri.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Intramuscular-V1.mp4 Preterm infant or very small infant for IM injection23 – 25 gauge, 16mm in lengthVery large/obese patient for IM injection22 – 25 gauge, 38mm in lengthSubcutaneous injection in all patients25 – 27 gauge, 16mm in lengthhttps://mvec.mcri.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Subcutaneous-V1.mp4 * Table adapted from the Australian Immunisation Handbook Implications of incorrect injection techniqueInjection site reactions are more likely following inadvertent administration into subcutaneous tissue as opposed to the intended muscular tissue. Shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) is a rare complication of incorrect vaccine administration causing an immune-mediated inflammatory reaction within the shoulder joint. When a vaccine is given into the shoulder joint (too high) it can cause a sudden onset of pain and limited range of movement which can persist for variable lengths of time and require medical investigations and treatment. Impaired immune response can follow administration of vaccines utilising an incorrect injection technique. Depositing vaccines into the subcutaneous tissue (when muscular tissue was intended) or into the joint can lead to a decreased immune response to the vaccine. Resources
Authors: Mel Addison (SAEFVIC Research Nurse, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute) and Rachael McGuire (SAEFVIC Research Nurse, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute) Reviewed by: Francesca Machingaifa (MVEC Education Nurse Coordinator) and Rachael McGuire (MVEC Education Nurse Coordinator) Date: October 18, 2022 Materials in this section are updated as new information and vaccines become available. The Melbourne Vaccine Education Centre (MVEC) staff regularly reviews materials for accuracy. You should not consider the information in this site to be specific, professional medical advice for your personal health or for your family’s personal health. For medical concerns, including decisions about vaccinations, medications and other treatments, you should always consult a healthcare professional. When giving two intradermal injections on the same site How far apart should the injections be group of answer choices?Multiple injections given in the same extremity should be separated as far as possible (preferably at least 1” apart). Insert needle at an 45o angle to the skin.
How far apart should vaccines be given in same muscle?The deltoid muscle can be used if the muscle mass is adequate. If 2 vaccines are to be administered in a single limb, they should be spaced an inch apart (4, 24).
Can you give two vaccines same arm?If more than one injection is given in a single limb (arm or leg), separate the injections by a minimum of 1". The diagrams below illustrate options for administer- ing one, two, or three vaccinations in a single arm, spaced at least 1" apart. Additional injections can also be administered in the opposite arm.
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