We have significantly decreased the number of “arm complaints” related to flu (and other IM vaccinations) buy using 25ga. 1 ½” needles on all patients weighing over 130#. We obviously don’t weigh staff or ask for a weight but have gotten
very good at determining needle size simply by looking at the arm. As well, using a 25 ga. needle provides for an essentially pain-free injection. We give approximately 8,000 injections during flu season.
Lisa Hegel, APRN MS, COHN-S
Occupational and Environmental Medicine
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center
Lebanon, NH 03756