Needle length required for intramuscular vaccination of infants and toddlers. An ultrasonographic study.

Abstract

The optimal needle length to routinely penetrate muscle of the anterolateral thigh in children aged two, four, six and 18 months depends on the technique employed. A 16 mm long needle is suitable with the WHO technique (injecting at 90 degrees to skin's surface) and 25 mm long needle with the NH&MRC and American techniques (injecting at 45 degrees to skin's surface).