In this video I will describe how to select the equipment needed to prepare vaccine for a
subcutaneous injection. This route is abbreviated either subcut or SC. Steps include
gathering necessary supplies and selecting an appropriate syringe and needle. CDC recommends
providers prepare vaccines just prior to administration. Providers should prepare
vaccines in a designated area that is not adjacent to any area where potentially contaminated
items are placed. Before preparing or administrating any vaccine, always start with
proper hand hygiene. CDC has hand hygiene guidelines and resources for health care
personnel available online
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To begin preparation gather the appropriate supplies. This includes a syringe and needle,
pre-packaged sterile alcohol wipes and bandages. A marker or label will be needed to identify
the vaccine once it is in the syringe. A 1 or 3 milliliter syringe is used to administer a
subcutaneous injection. Typically vaccines are not a thick liquid so a 23 to 25 gauge
needle is used. The needle length should be 5/8 inch for both children and adults.
For an optimal immune response to occur the vaccine must reach the desired tissue site.
Subcutaneous injections are administered into the fatty tissue under the dermis and
above the muscle tissue. To reach the fatty tissue the correct needle length and gauge
must be used. When preparing and administering vaccines always follow safe injection practices
and aseptic technique. Aseptic technique refers to the handling, preparing, and storing
of medications and injection equipment and supplies to prevent microbial contamination.
Always use a new needle and syringe for each injection. It is not necessary to change
needle between preparing and drawing vaccine from a vial and injecting it into the patient
unless the needle has been damaged or contaminated. Never combine vaccines in the same
syringe unless specifically approved for the Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, and
packaged for that specific purpose. CDC has injection safety resources for health care
personnel available online at www.cdc.gov/injectionsafety This video is part of a series
designed to demostrate vaccine administration skills and best practices. The video series is
available on the Vaccine Administration web page on the CDC Vaccines and Immunizations
website at www.cdc.gov/vaccines