Vaccine Administration Guidelines for Adults

By route

Subcutaneous

23–25 gauge

16 mm (5/8 in)

The needle should be inserted at a 45° angle into fatty tissue over the upper-outer triceps.

Intramuscular

22–25 gauge for injection into the deltoid

Needle length is determined by sex and weight. The needle should be inserted at a 90° angle.

Intradermal

30 gauge

1.5 mm (0.05 in)

The preferred site for administration is the deltoid region of the upper arm. The needle should be inserted to be nearly parallel to the skin at a 10 to 15° angle.

By sex and weight for intramuscular injection

Males or females: < 60 kg, or 60–70 kg

22–25 gauge

25 mm (1 in)

A 16-mm (5/8-in) needle may be used for intramuscular injection into the deltoid muscle only if subcutaneous tissue is not bunched and injection is made at a 90° angle.

Females: 70–90 kg

22–25 gauge

25–38 mm (1–1.5 in)

—

Males: 70–118 kg

22–25 gauge

25–38 mm (1–1.5 in)

—

Females: > 90 kg

22–25 gauge

38 mm (1.5 in)

—

Males: > 118 kg

22–25 gauge

38 mm (1.5 in)

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