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Family Medicine (Expert Forum)
flu vaccine injected into wrong area?
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
Kevin Pho, MD
Boston - MA
Questions in the Family Medicine forum are answered by Dr. J.M. Keyes. Topics covered include general health issues, adolescence, babies, child health, eating disorders, fitness, immunizations and vaccines, infectious diseases, medical tests and procedures, and senior health.
flu vaccine injected into wrong area?
by Mistysmom, Oct 08, 2004 12:00AM
1. My 2 1/2 year old daughter got a flu shot today (she is high risk for flu). They injected the vaccine like an inch and a half above her knee! Isn't that too low? I thought the injections should be higher on the thigh. I am concerned it won't be effective. Would you suggest getting it re-done if possible?
2. They gave her .25 ml of Fluzone (flu vaccine). Isn't she supposed to get .50? She did have 2 injections one month apart last year. So shouldn't she get the full dose of .50 this year? They said she only needs one shot of .25.
By the way, the flu vaccine was given at an Urgent Care Clinic, not by her pediatrician (who is out of vaccine)
Thanks
2. They gave her .25 ml of Fluzone (flu vaccine). Isn't she supposed to get .50? She did have 2 injections one month apart last year. So shouldn't she get the full dose of .50 this year? They said she only needs one shot of .25.
By the way, the flu vaccine was given at an Urgent Care Clinic, not by her pediatrician (who is out of vaccine)
Thanks
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Oct 09, 2004 12:00AM
, Oct 09, 2004 12:00AM
Children less than 3 years receive 0.25mL, those after 3 years receive 0.50mL.
Young children are immunized in the anterolateral aspect of the thigh - which could have varying positions in relation to the knee, depending on the person. It certainly is possible that the area that was injected was the correct area.
I cannot comment on whether the vaccine was placed correctly or not without being familiar with the case.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b
Young children are immunized in the anterolateral aspect of the thigh - which could have varying positions in relation to the knee, depending on the person. It certainly is possible that the area that was injected was the correct area.
I cannot comment on whether the vaccine was placed correctly or not without being familiar with the case.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b
