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Criteria for Needle Selection for Immunization Administration
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| Age Group |
Site |
Length |
Gauge |
| Infants |
Thigh |
5/8" - 1" |
22-23 |
| Older Children |
Thigh |
7/8" - 1-1/4" |
22-25 |
| Deltoid |
5/8" - 1-14" |
22-25 |
| Adult Men |
Deltoid |
1" - 1-1/2" |
20-25 |
| Women under 70 kg |
Deltoid |
1" |
20-25 |
| Women 70-100 kg |
Deltoid |
1-1/4" |
20-25 |
Women over 100 kg,
Obese men |
Deltoid |
Perhaps 2" |
20-25 |
What is the appropriate needle length for intramuscular injections for infants, children, and adults? For IM vaccines, use a needle that precludes vaccine from seeping into subcutaneous tissue, which may decrease the vaccine's efficacy and increase local adverse reactions. Note that the fixed 5/8" needle on many prefilled syringes is acceptable only if it can penetrate the patient's muscle. (Poland GA, et al. JAMA 1997;277:1709-11.)
Another study recommends using a 7/8" needle in young children if the tissue is bunched at the injection site. If the skin is stretched instead, a shorter needle is acceptable. (Groswasser J, et al. Pediatrics 1997; 100:400-2.)
For subcutaneous injections administered to infants and adults, a 5/8 to 3/4 inch, 23-25 gauge needle should be inserted into the tissues below the dermal layer of the skin.
(Excerpts of this article taken from Booster Shots, a quarterly supplement to ImmunoFacts, February 1998, Facts and Comparisons.)
