Where do infants typically receive vaccinations?

From the Guidelines

Babies typically receive vaccinations in their thighs, specifically the anterolateral aspect of the thigh, as this site provides the largest muscle mass and is recommended for infants less than 12 months of age 1. This site is preferred for infants because it contains a large muscle mass that can safely absorb the vaccine while having fewer nerves than other injection sites, making it less painful. As children grow older, healthcare providers may begin administering shots in the deltoid muscle of the upper arm. Some key points to consider when administering vaccinations to babies include:

• The anterolateral thigh is the preferred site for intramuscular injections in infants less than 12 months of age 1.
• The deltoid muscle is the preferred site for adults and older children 1.
• A needle length of 7/8--1 inch is recommended for children aged <12 months for intramuscular vaccination into the anterolateral thigh 1. During routine well-child visits, pediatricians follow a recommended immunization schedule that includes vaccines for diseases like hepatitis B, rotavirus, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, Haemophilus influenzae type b, pneumococcal disease, polio, influenza, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, and hepatitis A. These vaccinations are typically given at birth and at 2,4,6,12,15, and 18 months of age, with boosters during early childhood, as recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) 1. The specific timing helps ensure babies develop immunity when they're most vulnerable to these diseases. It's worth noting that the buttock should not be used routinely for active vaccination of infants, children, or adults because of the potential risk of injury to the sciatic nerve 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

The FDA drug label does not answer the question.

From the Research

Vaccination Sites

• The site of injection for vaccines can vary, with some studies suggesting that the thigh is a preferred site for certain vaccines, such as DTaP, in children under 3 years of age 2.
• Other studies have examined the administration of multiple vaccines, including MMR, varicella, and DTaP, and found that concomitant administration is generally well-tolerated and effective 3, 4, 5, 6.

Common Vaccination Sites

• The arm and thigh are common sites for vaccine administration, with the choice of site depending on the specific vaccine and the age of the child 2.
• Some vaccines, such as MMR and varicella, can be administered concomitantly with other vaccines, such as DTaP and Hib/HepB, without interfering with immune responses 3, 6.

Factors Influencing Vaccination Site

• The age of the child is an important factor in determining the vaccination site, with younger children (under 3 years) typically receiving vaccines in the thigh, and older children receiving vaccines in the arm 2.
• The type of vaccine and the specific formulation can also influence the choice of vaccination site, with some vaccines requiring administration in a specific site to minimize local reactions 2.