Does flu shot needle size depend on age?

Answer 1

The diameter of the needle is small no matter how old the patient. A child could use a needle that was shorter than an adult, but an overweight child and an adult of normal build could use the same length needle. A thin adult could use the same length needle as a child. Usually, clinics only have one size needle for adults and children. The healthcare professional would insert the needle the adequate depth for a child and the adequate depth for an adult. In theory, the needle would be inserted into the muscle a smaller depth than in an adult.

Flu shots can also be given in other locations besides the arm. If a baby receives a shot, usually they receive it in their thigh, and the healthcare professional would insert the needle to the correct depth to insert the medication into the muscular tissue.

An alternative is the new intradermal (ID) flu vaccine that uses a much shorter needle since it is injected into the tissue between the layers of the skin instead of into the muscle.

The flu mist, or the intranasal flu vaccine, is a good choice for pediatrics if they do not have certain medical conditions and are at least 2 years old. Another advantage of the flu mist is the lack of trauma from a shot. Adults can take the flu mist as well, up to age 49, as long as they are otherwise healthy.