|
Vaccines must reach the required tissue to provide the optimal immune response and reduce the likelihood of injection site reactions. The selection of needles should be based on:1.Injection route ;2.Age;3.Gender and weight of adults (19 years old and above);4.Injection site The table below lists the recommended needle gauges and lengths. In addition, clinical judgment should be used when selecting injection needles for vaccine administration. |
||||
|
Injection Route |
Age |
Needle Gauge and Length |
Injection Site |
|
|
Subcutaneous Injection |
All ages |
Gauge: 23-25; Length: 5/8 inch (16 mm) |
Thighs1 for infants under 12 months old; Deltoid muscle of the upper arm for individuals 12 months old and above |
|
|
Intramuscular Injection |
Newborns, 28 days old and younger |
Gauge: 23-25; Length: 5/8 inch (16 mm2) |
Anterolateral thigh (vastus lateralis muscle) |
|
|
Infants, 1-12 months old |
Gauge: 23-25; Length: 1 inch (25 mm) |
Anterolateral thigh (vastus lateralis muscle) |
||
|
Toddlers, 1-2 years old |
Gauge: 23-25; Length: 1-1.25 inches (25-32 mm) |
Anterolateral thigh (vastus lateralis muscle) |
||
|
Gauge: 23-25; Length: 5/82-1 inch (16-25 mm) |
Deltoid muscle of the upper arm |
|||
|
Children, 3-10 years old |
Gauge: 23-25; Length: 5/82-1 inch (16-25 mm) |
Deltoid muscle of the upper arm3 |
||
|
Gauge: 23-25; Length: 1-1.25 inches (25-32 mm) |
Anterolateral thigh (vastus lateralis muscle) |
|||
|
Children, 11-18 years old |
Gauge: 23-25; Length: 5/82-1 inch (16-25 mm) |
Deltoid muscle of the upper arm3，5 |
||
|
Adults 19 years old and above 130 lbs (60 kg) or less 130-152 lbs (60-70 kg) Males, 152-260 lbs (70-118 kg) Females, 152-200 lbs (70-90 kg) Males, 260 lbs (118 kg) or more Females, 200 lbs (90 kg) or more |
Gauge: 23-25; Length: 1 inch (25 mm4) 1 inch (25 mm) 1-1.5 inches (25-38 mm) 1-1.5 inches (25-38 mm) 1.5 inches (38 mm) 1.5 inches (38 mm) |
Deltoid muscle of the upper arm3，5 |
||
|
Notes: 1. The lateral triceps area may be used if necessary. 2. If the skin is stretched tightly and the subcutaneous tissue is not bunched. 3. Preferred site. 4. Some experts recommend using a 5/8-inch needle for males and females weighing less than 60 kg; if used, the skin must be stretched tightly and the subcutaneous tissue must not be bunched. 5. The vastus lateralis muscle may also be used. Most adolescents and adults will require a 1-1.5 inch (25-38 mm) needle to ensure intramuscular vaccination. Reference: Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices General Best Practice Guidelines for Immunization. www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/acip-recs/general-recs/administration.html |
||||