Vaccine information
Summary
There are four manufacturers currently providing H1N1 vaccines; three of those vaccines are administered via IM injection and one is administered via intra-nasal spray (http://www.dhmh.state.md.us/swineflu/pdf/FDA_Approved_H1N1_Vaccine_Summary.pdf).
IM needle sizes for adults under 130 lbs is 1” (25 mm); for adult males over 130 lbs use
1½” (38 mm); for females 130 to 200 lbs use 1” - 1½” (25-38 mm) and for females over 200 1½” (38 mm). (http://www.dhmh.state.md.us/swineflu/pdf/Needle_Length_for_H1N1.pdf).
H1N1 administration (http://www.emsa.ca.gov/about/files/H1N1JustInTimeParamedicVaccineTraining09-13-2009.ppt):
“IM Administration Guidelines:
• Wash your hands and maintain aseptic technique throughout procedure
• Select the appropriate syringe and needle
• Verify correct vaccine name
• Check vial expiration date
• Double check vial label
• Utilize instructions on vial to reconstitute influenza vaccine if indicated
H1N1 Vaccine may be given to adults via Intramuscular Deltoid
IM Administration:
• Cleanse area with alcohol using circular motion moving from a center point outward
• Allow area to dry so alcohol is not injected into the tissue
• Hold skin taut and insert needle into the muscle at 90-degree angle with quick, darting motion
• Aspirate slightly on the syringe plunger to ensure proper needle placement
• Inject vaccine into the tissue slowly in one continuous motion using steady pressure
• Quickly withdraw needle at angle of insertion
• Gently massage the area to dispense vaccine into the muscle
• Apply light pressure for several seconds with dry gauze or cotton ball if bleeding is noted
• Dispose of needle and syringe in sharps container”