Peer Reviewed
Practical procedures

Optimal intramuscular injection techniques for paediatric vaccination

Ann Kempe
Abstract
Administering injectable vaccines to babies and children can be traumatic for all involved. Attention to good intramuscular injection technique can reduce the risk of pain, muscle trauma and local reactions, thereby reducing the distress of the immunisation consultation.
Key Points

    Immunisation is one of the most common reasons for children under the age of 4 years to visit a GP. Currently, 12 injections are required for a child between birth and 4 years of age if that child is to be considered fully immunised under the 2003 Australian Standard Vaccination Schedule (ASVS). This increases to 16 injections for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island children. Most of the ASVS vaccines must be administered intramuscularly.

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