* If using a narrow 25 gauge needle for an IM vaccination, ensure vaccine is injected slowly over a count of five seconds to avoid injection pain and muscle trauma. Preterm babies (< 37 weeks' gestation) up to two months of age and/or very small infants Recommended needle size, length and angle for administering vaccines

correct drug/dose/time/route/patient practices.Įquipment: required for IM injection includes:.Nursing and medical staff must be familiar with the principles of the administration of medications to an infant. Medications are injected into the bulkiest part of the vastus lateralis thigh muscle, which is the junction of the upper and middle thirds of this muscle. The anterolateral thigh is the preferred site for IM injection in infants under 12 months of age.

Intramuscular (IM) injections in neonates may be required to administer medications or vaccines. We recommend that you also refer to more contemporaneous evidence in the interim. Please note that all guidance is currently under review and some may be out of date.