How to Adminster the Flu Shot

One of the most common medical procedures every year is the simple flu vaccine, which is designed to help strengthen the immune system to keep seasonal influenza at bay. If you have all the proper equipment it is actually quite simple to administer this shot.

Things You'll Need

• Cotton balls
• Rubbing alcohol
• 22-gauge needle and syringe
• 0.5 ml flu vaccine
• Adhesive bandages
• Immunization card

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Instructions

• 1

  Roll up the sleeve of the patient so that the whole of the shoulder is visible to you.

• 2

  Stretch the skin at the injection site between your thumb and index finger in order to ensure the needle penetrates the skin more easily.

• 3

  Swab the area of the shoulder you will stick with the needle with rubbing alcohol, to sterilize the area and minimize the possibility of infection.

• 4

  Fill the syringe with 0.5 ml of vaccine by sticking the syringe needle into the vial and slowly pulling up on the plunger.

• 5

  Insert the needle into he patient's shoulder and slowly inject the vaccine. When done, remove the needle and bandage the injection site with an adhesive bandage or gauze.

• 6

  Fill out the immunization record card with the date of the immunization and the type of vaccine used, including its lot number and manufacturer. This must be done in accordance with federal law.