MMR question

[Raefabian4]

Are all pediatric vaccinations given IM?? Including MMR? I have never worked in peds and am applying for a doctors office position and will have to give vaccinations. They will send me to a course as well but I was just wondering. Thank you very much in advance.

[NotReady4PrimeTime, RN]

Yep, they're all IMs and you'll need to brush up on your landmarking. With wee ones we use the vastus lateralis.

[Raefabian4]

Oh yes, thank you VERY much!!! I definitely will be going to the classes they are offering!!

[Aimee03, BSN, RN]

There are two vaccines that are NOT IM actually they are Sub-Q including MMR and the chickenpox vaccine (varicella). Polio can be given either IM or SC.

I love the clinic where I work, so GOOD LUCK!

[Raefabian4]

Okay, who is right now?? I'm confused?

[Aimee03, BSN, RN]

"All live injected vaccines (MMR, varicella, and yellow fever) are recommended to be given subcutaneously."

Source: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/combo-vaccines/mmr/faqs-mmr-hcp.htm

[Duckyaryj]

Where I work MMR and Varicella are both sub-q. the rest are IM

[scribblerpnp]

Just validating. I am a PNP and work in primary peds.

MMR and Chickenpox vaccines are SUBQ.

All others are IM, and should be given with a 1-inch needle (this is according to our state health dept)

In kids less than 2 years, the vaccines should be given in the vastus lateralus (legs). At most 2 vaccines to extremity (if possible) and at least 1 inch from each other.

If you have to give synagis, that needs to be in its own extremity, and at that time it is acceptable to give the vaccine in the arm if the legs have been used regardless of age.

[Raefabian4]

Thank you so much to everyone! I greatly appreciate your time and responses.

[PedsAtHeart, LPN]

Yes MMR and Varicella are SQ. Polio can go either way but is mostly given IM. And as scribblerpnp stated, they should be given with a 1 inch needle to the VL or deltoid. The MMR and Varicella should be given with SQ needle (usually 5/8 inch) in the thigh or arm. Our state guidelines say that any child that can walk has enough muscle mass in their deltoids to give them there. I dont agree. Especially when you get into multiple injections. I give in the thigh for the most part. One big reason too is safety. I find it much easier to hold the child still while giving the injection in the thigh than the arm. I dont want to risk sticking the kid more than he need to be, you'll find that sometimes parents dont hold them as tight as needed. Plus I dont want to risk sticking myself.

[xoemmylouox, ASN, RN]

I dont want to risk sticking the kid more than he need to be, you'll find that sometimes parents dont hold them as tight as needed. Plus I dont want to risk sticking myself.

Exactly! Parents aren't always the biggest help. They don't understand how strong their kids are. Kinder check ups are the worst. After hearing/vision check, exam, they have no interest in shots. They are strong little things too!

[PedsAtHeart, LPN]

yes they are!