Step-by-Step
Instructions
1. Skin Preparation: None
No skin preparation is required.
Under no circumstances should alcohol be applied to the skin prior to vaccination as it has been shown to inactivate the vaccine virus.
2. Dip Needle
The needle is dipped into the vaccine vial and withdrawn. The needle is designed to hold a minute drop of vaccine of sufficient size and strength
to ensure a take if properly administered.
Consult the package insert for the number of bifurcated needle insertions to use in administering the vaccine for primary or revaccinations.
3. Perpendicular Insertions (2-3 for Primary and 15 for Revaccination with Dryvax® vaccine) should be made within a 5mm Diameter Area
The needle is held perpendicular to the site of insertion. The wrist of the vaccinator should be maintained in a firm position (*) by resting on the arm of the vaccinee.
The perpendicular insertions are given in rapid order in an area no larger than 5 mm in diameter.
Strokes should be vigorous enough to evoke a trace of blood at the site after 15-30 seconds.
The bifurcated needle is for single usage only and should be discarded in an appropriate biohazard container immediately after vaccinating each patient.
Caution: Needles should never be dipped into the vaccine vial more than once, in order to avoid contamination of the vial.
4. Absorb Excess Vaccine
After vaccination, excess vaccine should be absorbed with sterile gauze. Discard the gauze in a safe manner (usually in a hazardous waste receptacle) in order not to contaminate the site or infect others who may come in contact with it.
5. Cover Vaccination Site
It is important that the vaccination site be covered to prevent dissemination of virus. In addition, hands should always be washed immediately after touching the site or materials that contacted the site (dressings, clothing, etc.).
Recommended covering:
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Clean or sterile gauze loosely secured by tape (†) |
| • |
Healthcare workers should cover the site with gauze
and then a semi-permeable dressing during patient care
activities. (§) |
| • |
Clothing that covers the site can provide added protection |
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| † |
Hypoallergenic
tape should be used for people with tape allergies.
|
| § |
A semipermeable
membrane occlusive dressing alone can result in a macerated
vaccine site, prolonged irritation, and itching and may
increase the risk of hand contamination from scratching
or secondary bacterial infection. Dressings products that
combine an absorbent base with an overlying semi-permeable
layer can also be used. |
6. Caution Vaccinee and/or Guardian
To avoid contact transmission
of the virus, vaccinees and guardians must be cautioned:
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No rubbing or scratching of
vaccination site |
| • |
Discard gauze carefully |
| • |
Wash hands thoroughly after
handling gauze |
For further information on preventing dissemination of virus, please visit the
Preventing Contact Transmission
page.
Accidental Administration by Oral or Parenteral Route
Ingestion and intramuscular injection of a dose of vaccine are NOT recommended routes of administration. However, no harm has been recorded from such events.
For further information please visit the Accidental Administration page.
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