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Use of 25-mm needle needed for fifth diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis vaccine
Researchers from various sites in Seattle and in Swiftwater, Pa. suggested the use of a 25-mm needle for the fifth diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis vaccination, regardless of injection site, to decrease the risk for local reactions, such as redness and swelling that occurs following vaccination.
The study results were published in Pediatrics (2008;doi:10.1542/peds.2007-1405).
Because local reactions are common following the fifth diphtheria- tetanus-acellular pertussis vaccine, the researchers assessed the relationship between needle length and injection site and the risk for local reactions to the vaccine.
Study participants included 1,315 patients; 89% were vaccinated in the arm, and 67% were vaccinated with a 25-mm needle.
“Use of the 16-mm needle was associated with a significantly higher risk for redness, persistent redness on day two, area of redness greater than 5 cm and pain when compared with the 25-mm needle,” the researchers wrote.