Flu shots...just wondering

[Jess-RN in 2006]

we have the opportunity to trade clinical time tomorrow to help with a community flu shot clinic....I've not had many opportunites to give injections, just did my first ones on a pt last week, so of course I'm jumping at the chance...I was wondering if flu shots come in pre-filled syringes, or do we have to draw them up? I feel so dumb asking, but I have never had a flu shot or been involved with them...I just wanted to know going in...thanks for answering....

[RN4NICU, LPN, LVN]

Don't feel dumb - if you've never done it, how could you know? :)

They must be drawn up. If I remember correctly, there are about 10

0.5 ml doses per vial.

[Gail-Anne]

Above sounds right about drawing up. You may also be expected to check re: allergies etc. for contraindications ( allergy to eggs, as thats the medium it's grown in, if person is ill at the moment) also to let people know what to expect for reaction (e.g. no, this can't give you the flu, may feel a bit off for a few days though) so you will want to make sure you know what to say before the first person.