Knowing the do's and don'ts of giving vaccinations will make the experience easier for you and your patient.Good communication with your patient is a must when administering vaccines.You want your patients to know what's going on.Pick the correct materials, use safe procedures, and support your patient after the vaccine is given.This will make for a positive experience for you both.
Step 1: Obtain and use the latest immunization schedule.
The vaccine schedule in the United States is regulated by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.They have vaccine schedules for babies, kids and teens on their website.When choosing which vaccines to give to your patients, follow the basic guidelines.Depending on where your patients live and what medical conditions they have, your immunizations schedule may be different.
Step 2: You can learn what immunizations are recommended in your country.
People in different parts of the world need different vaccines for different illnesses.The World Health Organization has created an interactive tool that you can use to enter your country and get a custom vaccine schedule.The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has a tool for European countries.
Step 3: There is a screen forcontraindications.
A complete history and physical exam is required before you give a vaccine.If your patient has ever reacted to a vaccine, ask if they are taking any medications.If they have ever had a severe allergic reaction to any part of the vaccine, don't give it.If your patient is moderately to severely ill, wait for them to get better and weigh the risks and benefits.If there are anycontraindications to specific vaccines, be aware of them and avoid them.
Step 4: Dosing chart to consult.
You don't need to memorize the guidelines for every vaccine.You can get a dosing chart from the CDC or immunize.org.
Step 5: The correct delivery route is chosen.
The majority of vaccines can be given directly into the muscle, but some are administered through the skin, nose, or mouth.If you're unsure about the best route of delivery, ask your supervisor.The most common flu is Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis.
Step 6: The injections should be given at a 90 angle with a 22-25 gauge needle.
The majority of vaccines are delivered by the IM route.Deliver an injection into a large group of muscles.Using a quick thrust motion, insert the needle into the patient.A longer needle is needed because the muscle is below the fat.Pick a needle that is between 22 and 25 gauge.The length should be based on the patient's body size.
Step 7: The patient's age and body size should be taken into account when choosing the needle length.
To make the injection more comfortable for your patient and to ensure that all the vaccine gets into the muscle, choose the right needle length.The length of the needles is based on the patient's age and body size.
Step 8: You can use a 5/8” needle for injections.
Adults and children can receive Subcut injections with a needle that is between 23 and 25 gauge.The injection should be given over the upper, outer thigh muscle for infants ages 1-12 months.The anterolateral thigh can be used for anyone over 12 months.While pinching up the skin into a tent, insert the needle at a 45 angle to the patient's body.Below the skin and above the muscle layer, inject.
Step 9: ID vaccines can be administered into the top layer of skin.
You can use a short, narrow needle for ID vaccines.The topmost layer of skin is where the needle should be inserted.If you want to give a vaccine with a pre-filled injection device, first gently mix it, then follow these instructions: Hold the device with your thumb and middle finger, keeping your index finger free.If you put the needle into the skin, it will be visible.Push the plunger with your index finger if you have light pressure on the skin.If you are giving a test for Tuberculosis, you should see a small bruise.Pull out the needle if it doesn't appear.Rub the area after administering a test.Quickly remove the needle from the skin.Push the plunger with your thumb until you hear a click, then direct the needle away from you and other people.Throw it away in a sharps container.
Step 10: Give FluMist when you cough.
FluMist can't be injected.The rubber tip protectors need to be removed.Place the tip in the patient's nostril.They should be told to breathe normally.The dose-divider clip will stop you halfway if you push the plunger in a single motion.In the other nostril, pinch the dose-divider clip and remove it.
Step 11: Patient records should be kept accurate.
If you give a vaccine, record the date, dose and injection site.This can be done in your electronic medical records or paper records.If you use an immunization information system, enter the data into it.Provide a vaccine schedule for the parents in the child population.Information about the benefits and risks of each vaccine is contained in a Vaccine Information Statement.Give your patients and their parents a copy of the VIS with each vaccine.
Step 12: You should check and prepare the vaccine before you give it.
You need to check the vaccine label before you give it.If it is expired, throw it away and use a new one.If the vaccine requires specific handling, such as shaking it or using the reconstituting mix, check the labeling.Re-check the labeling if you administer more than one vaccine.The right patient, vaccine, diluent, route, needle, site, and documentation should be on the list.
Step 13: You should wash your hands.
Warm water and soap should be used to wash your hands.For at least 30 seconds, lather the soap and scrub under your nails, between your fingers, and up your wrists.You can dry your hands with a paper towel.Use disposable gloves to administer the injection.If your patient has a latex allergy, use non-latex gloves.
Step 14: An alcohol wipe can be used on the injection site.
Find the right injection site.A sterile alcohol wipe can be opened.Rub the site with a circular motion starting in the center and extending out.Allow the alcohol to dry.If you give more than one vaccine, use a separate injection site.
Step 15: The shot should be administered using smooth, firm motions.
The arm or leg will be injected with your non-dominant hand.Hold the needle about an inch from your patient.It should be inserted quickly at the appropriate angle.If you want to inject the vaccine, push down on the plunger.The needle should be removed at the same angle.In a sharps container, dispose of the needle.
Step 16: The area should be bandaged.
Immediately after removing the needle, apply gentle pressure to the area.Hold it in place with medical tape if you want to cover it.Your patient can remove the bandage later that day.
Step 17: Give your patients answers to their questions.
Many patients are worried about vaccines.They may believe that vaccines can cause diseases.Ask directly, "Do you have any fears or concerns about vaccines that we can discuss?" and offer a lead-in to the conversation.People can be scared by a lot of misinformation.If you have concerns about vaccines, I would like to discuss them with you.Explain that there is no way a vaccine could cause a child to be born with autism.Pictures and videos of the diseases that the vaccine prevents should be shown to vaccine-wary patients.If a parent doesn't want their child to get the vaccine, show them a video of a baby struggling to breathe.Don't talk to your patients if you are frustrated.
Step 18: Use language that your patient understands.
Remember that your patient probably isn't medically trained, so be direct and honest in your discussions.The average person will understand questions that are explained in language.Don't say something like, "MMR is a live attenuated vaccine in which the virulence of the pathogen is reduced."It is strong enough to get your body to fight it, but not so strong that you will get sick.
Step 19: Discuss vaccine side effects with your patient.
Minor reactions like redness, swelling, and at the injection site, can be caused by immunizations.It's not a sign that the vaccine is making your patient or child sick if you tell them that this is not dangerous or uncommon.Explain that their immune system makes the defenses they need.Side effects are temporary and you can treat them by placing a cool, wet washcloth on a sore area.
Step 20: Medical management options for common reactions.
If your patient complains of swelling, redness, pain, itching, or mild bleeding at the injection site, let them know this is normal.If you experience pain, redness, swelling, or itching, apply a cold compress to the area.Ibuprofen is a mild pain relief.If the injection site is bleeding, apply a bandage.If it continues to bleed, you can tell your patient to apply constant pressure by placing a thick gauze pad over the site.They should raise their arm above their heart for a few minutes to stop the bleeding.
Step 21: Be calm and manage fear.
Your patient may pass out if they express fear or anxiety about getting the shot.If you can, try to have your patient lie down for the vaccine, sit between their knees for a few minutes, and apply a damp cloth to their face and neck.Wait until they're ready to give the vaccine.Before moving a patient, check for injuries.They should be placed on their back with their feet elevated.If they don't recover within a few minutes, call for emergency services.Give them juice or candy to raise their blood sugar so that they feel better more quickly.
Step 22: Tell your patients what to look for.
A vaccine called anaphylaxis can cause a severe allergic reaction.If you see any of the following signs, alert your patient or a second party and seek medical care.
Step 23: If you have a severe reaction, give the drug epinephrine.
If the redness and itching is limited to the area of the injection, the best treatment is to give the drug.If you're a trained healthcare provider, you can administer the drug.If you don't have a trained professional or have an allergy, you should call emergency services.If they are conscious and can swallow, give them Benadryl.A trained healthcare provider can give the person Benadryl.If the patient has an EpiPen, use it.