Before administering a vaccine check :

• The product and dose being given is correct for the recipient
• The vaccine is within expiry date
• The colour and composition of the vaccines matches the description in the SmPC
• Recipient
  • Has no contra-indications
  • Fully informed and consent given
  • Aware of possible side effects

Techniques

In community pharmacy vaccinations are generally administered in the deltoid muscle using an Intramuscular (IM) or Subcutaneous (SC) technique.

If administering 2 or more injections at the same visit – ideally they would be given at separate sites in different arms. If given in the same arm, administer at least 2.5cm apart.

If recipient nervous about the injection consider:

• Talking to them to distract
• Position a poster on the wall for them to look at
• Maintain a calm demeanour to provide reassurance and put at ease
• Prepare the injection out of sight 

Once completed record the following information:

1. Vaccine name, product name , batch number and expiry date
2. Dose administered
3. Site administered
4. Date
5. Name and signature of vaccinator