Preventing Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA)

All individuals who administer vaccines should reassess their vaccine administration technique and process to ensure use of proper landmark determination and avoidance of patient shoulder injuries related to vaccine administration (SIRVA).  There have been increasing numbers of shoulder injury claims associated with vaccine administration by all providers (not just pharmacists).  With pharmacists playing increasing roles in vaccine administration we need to remind practitioners regarding the use of correct vaccine administration technique and procedures.  To help you do this consider the following resources:

Infographic:  You Call The Shots

Proper Vaccine Technique: Pharmacy Today Article 

CDC resources: Online vaccination resources library
(Links to videos, job tools, reference materials, and web-based training courses)

How to Administer Intramuscular and Subcutaneous Vaccine Injections

The Immunization Action Coalition (IAC) has updated and redesigned its handout for health professionals.

Download How to Administer Intramuscular and Subcutaneous Vaccine Injections

APhA has also developed How To Administer Vaccine Videos to demonstrate appropriate vaccine administration techniques and processes. 

FluMist Administration Information

FluMist® is administered intranasally; active inhalation (i.e., sniffing) by the patient is not required. Watch this video to learn how to store FluMist in your office, and how to administer it to your eligible patients 2 years to 49 years old.

Download patient information

PharmaJet Injectors

PharmaJet injectors use a unique pressure profile to deliver vaccine as a fine stream of fluid to puncture the skin and deliver vaccine to the proper tissue depth for intramuscular injection. Since the first jet injectors were introduced in the 1940s, the technology has evolved to a single-use, sterile, disposable syringe used with a reusable injector. These innovative jet injectors have proven to be a safe and effective method of administration.

Download PharmJet Video