How To Administer A Flu Shot With Pictures

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) suggests that the person who administers the vaccine should be the one who draws it from the vial. [4] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source

Get a copy of the patient’s medical history. This can prevent medical errors. [6] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source Ask the patient if he’s had a history of bad reactions to the flu shot. Fever, dizziness or muscle pain may are common side effects of receiving the flu shot and should go away with time. Signs of severe allergy can include difficulty breathing, hives, wheezing, weakness and dizziness or heart palpitations. These symptoms are serious and should be evaluated immediately. [7] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source The Flublok influenza vaccine may be a good option for those people who have had allergic reactions in the past. It is prepared without the use of eggs, which can sometimes be the cause of an allergic reaction. It also does not use the actual flu virus itself to create a vaccine.

Document the date you provided the patient with the statement. Write it in the patient’s chart or other vaccination record, if available. Ask the patient if she has any questions before continuing on to administer the dosage. In the medical record, it is important to include the expiration date of vaccine and lot number in case this information is needed in the future. The Centers for Disease Control also offers copies of the VIS on their website for informative purposes. [9] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source

You don’t need special soap to clean your hands, any type will do; however, it is recommended to use an antibacterial soap if possible. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. [11] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source If you like, use a hand sanitizer after you’ve washed your hands to kill any other bacteria you may have missed. [12] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source

Make sure to use single-dose alcohol pad. [14] X Trustworthy Source Immunization Action Coalition Nonprofit organization focused on promoting the use of vaccines by distributing information about vaccines and the diseases they prevent. Go to source If the person has a large or especially hairy arm, consider using two alcohol pads to help ensure the deltoid area is clean.

Use a needle 1 to 1. 5" (2. 5 to 3. 8 cm) in length for an adult who weighs 132 lbs (60 kg) or more. This is a standard-sized needle, 22 – 25 gauge. [16] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source Use a needle 5/8" (1. 58 cm) in length for children and adults who weigh less than 132 lbs (60 kg). Stretch the skin tightly when using a smaller needle. [17] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source

Give 0. 25 mL (0. 05 tsp) to children from 6 months to 35 months in age. [20] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source Give 0. 5 mL (0. 1 tsp) to all patients older than 35 months. [21] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source For adults age 65 years and older, you may give 0. 5 mL of high-dose TIV-IM. [22] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source If you do not have 0. 5ml syringes, you may use two single 0. 25ml syringes. [23] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source

Find the thickest part of the deltoid, which is often above the armpit and below the acromion, or top of the shoulder. [25] X Trustworthy Source Immunization Action Coalition Nonprofit organization focused on promoting the use of vaccines by distributing information about vaccines and the diseases they prevent. Go to source Firmly guide the needle into deltoid in one smooth action. The should be at at a 90 degree angle to the skin. [26] X Trustworthy Source Immunization Action Coalition Nonprofit organization focused on promoting the use of vaccines by distributing information about vaccines and the diseases they prevent. Go to source For a child under four, inject the shot into the outer quadricep muscle, because they do not have enough muscle in the deltoid area. [27] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source

If your patient is showing signs of discomfort, soothe or distract her by talking to her or putting a tv show on.

Tell your patient that some soreness is normal and shouldn’t be cause for alarm. [30] X Trustworthy Source Immunization Action Coalition Nonprofit organization focused on promoting the use of vaccines by distributing information about vaccines and the diseases they prevent. Go to source Make sure to remove the needle and apply pressure simultaneously. [31] X Trustworthy Source Immunization Action Coalition Nonprofit organization focused on promoting the use of vaccines by distributing information about vaccines and the diseases they prevent. Go to source You can choose to cover the injection site with a bandage. You may find that this also calms many patients. [32] X Trustworthy Source Immunization Action Coalition Nonprofit organization focused on promoting the use of vaccines by distributing information about vaccines and the diseases they prevent. Go to source

Make sure you have emergency medical protocol available if a worst-case situation happens. In addition, have the patient’s emergency contact information on hand.

Use a mild soap and water and wash your hands in warm water for at least 20 seconds. Use a hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

Covering your nose and mouth minimizes the risk of spreading flu to those around you. Make sure you are sanitizing your hand with a thorough hand-washing after you sneeze, cough, or blow your nose.

Make sure to wash your hands after touching anything in crowded spaces, such as handles in public transportation. If you have the flu, stay home for at least 24 hours to help minimize the risk of spreading the flu to others.