The recommendations for the site and route for each vaccine are evidence-informed. Health professionals should adhere to instructions outlined in the vaccine monograph. Vaccine efficacy may decrease and the risk for local adverse events may increase if not administered correctly. See Table 3.4 for additional considerations for route of administration.
Table 3.4: Considerations for Route of Administration
| Route | Consideration |
|
Intramuscular
|
|
|
Subcutaneous
|
|
|
Intradermal
|
|
|
Oral
|
|
|
Intranasal
|
|
Points of Consideration
When immunizing young children, it is helpful for health professionals to remind parents or substitute decision makers (SDMs) about the upcoming vaccination and explain the site and route anticipated for the next visit. This will allow parents who want to prepare their children with analgesic patches to place them in the correct location (should be applied one hour before vaccine administration). It will also allow a parent to talk to the child about the vaccination before hand.
Attribution Statement
Content in this section was adapted, with editorial changes, from: Page 8: Canadian Immunization Guide: Part 1 – Key Immunization Information by the Government of Canada and is reproduced under non-commercial conditions.