The following general procedure may be used for intramuscular injections:
1) The practitioner positions the patient in a way that is comfortable and keeps the muscles relaxed
2) The site selected for injection is cleaned with an alcohol swab. The skin is allowed to air dry.
3) The practitioner spreads out the skin of the selected site to isolate the muscle.
4) The needle is inserted into the muscle at about a 90 degree angle.
5) The syringe is often drawn back slightly to ensure that the needle has not penetrated a blood vessel.
6) The vaccine is injected slowly into the tissue.
7) The needle is withdrawn quickly and properly discarded.
8) Light pressure is applied to the injection site using a dry cotton ball or gauze.
9) The patient is monitored for a short time for swelling, bleeding, or allergic reactions.