Administer Intramuscular,
Subcutaneous, and Intradermal Injections This is the Archived Desktop Edition. You should be transferred to the Newest Edition for Desktop and Mobile within 2 seconds.
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Lesson 3: Immunizations |
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An individual's resistance to a specific disease or infection depends upon the presence in the body of protective chemical substances called antibodies. When the body produces its own antibodies, it is termed active immunity. Active immunity results from having an infectious disease or from receiving an injection or inoculation of biological medication that induces an immune response. Active immunity may develop in days or weeks, but the protection received will last for relatively long periods. Another type of immunity, described as passive, is acquired. This immunity results from the body receiving serum that contains antibodies that have been preformed in humans or animals. Although this serum confers immediate protection, the immunity does not last as long. Passive immunity does not stimulate antibody formation. Preparations administered to produce immunity are called immunizing agents. They are known as vaccines, toxoids, and antiserums. Both vaccines and toxoids cause the body to produce their own antibodies (bringing about active immunity), while antiserums produce passive immunity. a. Vaccines. Vaccines contain either weakened or killed microorganisms (such as viruses, bacteria, or rickettsia) that are administered for the prevention, improvement, or treatment of infectious diseases. Examples are typhoid, measles, poliomyelitis, and smallpox vaccines. b. Toxoids. Toxoids contain suspensions of modified toxins that have lost their toxicity but which have maintained the properties of combining with antitoxins, or stimulating the formation of antitoxins. Examples are diphtheria and tetanus toxoids. c. Antiserums. Antiserums are preparations of blood serum that already contain an antibody or antibodies. They are used when there is not time to wait for the body of the exposed or infected person to produce its own antibodies. Examples are tetanus, immune globulin, and rabies. 3-3. THE ARMY IMMUNIZATION PROGRAM a. Immunizations. The Army requires all its healthy military personnel to be actively immunized against diseases such as typhoid, tetanus, diphtheria, poliomyelitis, and influenza. Individuals traveling or assigned to certain areas may be required to be immunized against yellow fever, cholera, plague, or other diseases. Upon initial induction, recruits are also given the following vaccines--adenovirus (types 4 and 7), meningococcal (types A and C), rubella, rubeola, and TB skin hypersensitivity testing. AR 40-562 gives details of requirements, dosages, and administration. Additional information on immunizations and immunizing agents may be found in TB MED 114. Copies of these two publications governing the administration of immunization to members of the Armed Forces and their dependents must be kept readily available at all locations where immunizing agents are administered. Every medical specialist who gives immunizations must read and be very familiar with the contents of these directives. b. Intervals. The intervals for giving immunizations are prescribed in AR 40-562. They are minimum intervals and must never be shortened. If a series is interrupted before completion, it should not be started again but should be completed by giving the remaining injections, regardless of time lapse. If a period longer than that prescribed between stimulating (booster) doses has elapsed, the initial series is not repeated. Once a basic series is completed, it need not be repeated because a stimulating dose is adequate; the single, small booster dose renews the production of antibodies to an effective immunizing level. c. Immunization Record (SF 601). The Immunization Record (SF 601) form is prepared (in an original copy only) for all military personnel when the initial series of immunizations is given. All immunizations are recorded on this form and kept in the health record. It is the official record of an individual's immunizations and related data and the source of information for completing the Immunization Certificate. d. Immunization Certificate. A Public Health Service Certificate (International Certificate of Vaccination, PHS Form 731) is prepared for all individuals receiving immunizations. Military personnel must carry this form when performing international travel. Nonmilitary personnel retain PHS Form 731 as their official record of immunizations received. 3-4. PROCEDURE FOR ADMINISTERING AN IMMUNIZATION Whenever immunizations are given, a military or civilian member of the medical department must be present. This person must be trained and qualified in emergency resuscitative techniques. Follow the local SOP, AR 40-15, AR 40-562, and TB MED 114. a. Interview Patient. The patient should bring the records mentioned above. Perform the following steps as part of the immunization procedures.
NOTE: Usually, large groups of personnel are scheduled for immunizations at one time so an automatic hypodermic gun can be used and the immunization process speeded up. There may be times when you need to administer only two or three immunization injections during the day, then you would need to administer the injection with a needle and syringe. This lesson will provide the procedures to follow to administer injections with a needle and syringe. Personnel trained in the use of the hypodermic gun will instruct you on its operation and maintenance before you are required to use it. b. Have Emergency Tray Available. An emergency tray should be present and readily accessible. An emergency tray contains materials for immediate treatment of serious reactions, including a constricting band and syringe containing a 1:1000 aqueous solution of epinephrine. A tracheostomy set should be available since the majority of fatalities reported involve asphyxiation due to laryngeal edema or swelling. c. Perform Handwash. Perform patient care handwash. d. Obtain Immunizing Agent. Vaccines are kept in a refrigerator or other designated storage area. The proper storage temperature of different vaccines is found on their labels and must be adhered to in order to keep them safe for administration. Some vaccines contain live organisms and must remain frozen. Since a considerable amount of variation exists between storage temperatures and potency periods for these vaccines, it is essential to review the instructions on the labels for each vaccine. Check the clinic SOP regarding proper storage of preconstituted and reconstituted vaccines. All other equipment for administering immunizations will be available in a specific location within the clinic. e. Check Label for Expiration Date.
f. Examine Vial and Contents.
g. Draw Up Required Amount of Immunizing Agent.
h. Select Site Administration. Determine appropriate site and route for administration. i. Expose and Prepare Injection Site.
j. Administer Immunization.
k. Observe Patient. Observe for reactions.
l. Dispose of Equipment. Dispose of the needle and syringe in accordance with local SOP. Most areas where immunizations are administered have special plastic or cardboard devices for storing used needles and syringes. Place used needle and syringe intact into the designated container. m. Dispose of or Store Vial.
n. Perform a Patient Care Handwash. As always, perform a patient care handwash after treating a patient.
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