Ask for Thigh Injectionsby Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger 10 Mar 2009 08:15 AM
Sometime around the second birthday, most pediatric offices will switch the injection site for immunizations from the thigh to the arm. This may be because they believe that the child is old enough for the more convenient way to administer any shots. But there is good reason to ask the office if shots can still be administered in the thigh instead. Many times the length of the needle used in immunizations is longer than the thickness of a child's upper arm tissue and deltoid muscle. In fact, the CDC recommends that thigh injections be done for a child who is younger than six years old. Muscle thickness and body fat can vary by child, of course, but in general in young children, the ability of the needle to over-penetrate when injected into the upper arm (or shoulder) is quite common. If the needle goes in to far, then there are two results that generate concern. The first is that the delivery of the vaccination (or medication) could be affected, and the second is that if the needle hits the bone, it could cause sever pain for your child. Neither of these outcomes is what you would wish. Injection needles for children may also vary. Most offices will use either a 5/8, 7/8 or 1-inch needle. In general, a 7/8 needle is probably best for thigh injections. Girls generally have more fat under the skin than do boys, even at a young age. A report of a study done in which upper arm scans were performed on children to gauge arm thickness was published in the medical journal, Pediatrics in August of 2008. Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, creating a home in the Home Blog, caring for little ones in the Baby Blog and now relationships in the Marriage Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here or subscribe to the blog using the subscription box on the right. Related Articles: Foods to Build Your Child's Immunity Febrile Seizures and Spinal Taps Learn more about Mary Ann Romans  Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat. Relevantbaby tags User Comments EvaRose (260) 10 Mar 2009 07:23 PMInteresting point, and good advice. I had never thought of this until your article.  Mary Ann Romans |
Baby categories |
