As the 2017 influenza season begins, it is important to remember that you call the shots when it comes to safe vaccination. To promote both safe vaccination, CDC is launching a campaign to educate and remind providers about proper influenza (flu) vaccine administration technique to help avoid shoulder injuries and other adverse events.
Get comprehensive vaccine administration information and watch a short video on the correct technique for intramuscular injection. Healthcare providers can earn free continuing education by completing the new vaccine administration e-Learn.
Shoulder injuries like bursitis and tendinitis resulting from improper injection technique are errors that can easily be avoided. Preliminary data from both the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) and the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) indicate reports of shoulder injury related to vaccine administration have increased in the last several years. These reports occur more commonly among adults than children.
Getting an annual flu vaccination is the best way to prevent the flu. CDC’s influenza website offers a variety of free educational materials on the importance of flu vaccination, aimed at both health care providers and the general public. The materials include links to comprehensive vaccine administration information and a short video on the correct technique for intramuscular injection, as well as a link to our new vaccine administration e-Learn. Click here to download an infographic on administering flu vaccine to an adult.
Getting an annual flu vaccination is the best way to prevent the flu. CDC’s influenza website offers a variety of free educational materials on the importance of flu vaccination, aimed at both health care providers and the general public.
If you have questions or would like more information, please contact nipinfo@cdc.gov.