The Green Book has the latest information on vaccines and vaccination procedures, for vaccine preventable infectious diseases in the UK. The latest update on COVID-19 vaccinations was released on 15th November 2021
https://assets.publishing.service.g...ile/1033391/Greenbook_chapter_14a_15Nov21.pdf
Administration Vaccines are routinely given intramuscularly into the upper arm or anterolateral thigh. This is to reduce the risk of localised reactions, which are more common when vaccines are given subcutaneously (Mark et al., 1999; Zuckerman, 2000; Diggle and Deeks, 2000).
Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 mRNA vaccine BNT162b2 (Comirnaty[emoji768]) should be administered as an intramuscular injection into the deltoid muscle. A 1ml syringe with a 23g x 25mm needle will be provided for administration. A separate needle and syringe should be used for each individual. The vial should be discarded if the solution is discoloured or visible particles are observed.
AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine (Vaxzevria[emoji768]) is administered as a single dose of 0.5ml intramuscular injection into the deltoid muscle. A 1ml syringe with a 23g/25g x 25mm needle will be provided for administration. The vaccine should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discolouration prior to administration. The vial should be discarded if the solution is discoloured or visible particles are observed. The vial should not be shaken. A separate needle and syringe should be used for each individual. It is normal for liquid to remain in the vial after withdrawing the final dose.
Moderna COVID-19 vaccine (Spikevax[emoji768]) should be administered as an intramuscular injection into the deltoid muscle. A 1ml syringe with a 23g x 25mm needle will be provided for administration. A separate needle and syringe should be used for each individual. It is normal for liquid to remain in the vial after withdrawing the final dose.
Individuals with bleeding disorders may be vaccinated intramuscularly if, in the opinion of a doctor familiar with the individual’s bleeding risk, vaccines or similar small volume intramuscular injections can be administered with reasonable safety by this route. If the individual receives medication/treatment to reduce bleeding, for example treatment for haemophilia, intramuscular vaccination can be scheduled shortly after such medication/ treatment is administered. Individuals on stable anticoagulation therapy, including individuals on warfarin who are up-to-date with their scheduled INR testing and whose latest INR is below the upper level of the therapeutic range, can receive intramuscular vaccination. A fine needle (23 or 25 gauge) should be used for the vaccination, followed by firm pressure applied to the site without rubbing for at least 2 minutes (Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices 2019). The individual/parent/carer should be informed about the risk of haematoma from the injection.