Vaccine

[carolBF]

Morning all

I had my covid vaccine Thursday evening and I was very shocked to discover your arm was not wiped with an antiseptic wipe before they inserted the needle. when I asked for the site to be cleaned before I had my injection the healthcare worker said o we’ve only got one wipe per person and we use that to clean vaccine bottle. (As there are many vaccines in one bottle)I was not impressed and i insisted that she use another wipe for my arm first before giving me my vaccine, am I being fussy? She said your arm should all ready be clean. I had just finished working with 4 2 year old all day and did not have time for a shower.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Studies in the past have shown there is no difference in infection rates between taking a blood sample having cleaned the arm with a wipe and not - and for some people any alcohol left on the arm before the needle penetrates the skin can lead to reactions (mostly causes a major rash for me so I usually ask not to have the alcohol wipe) and in blood samples can contaminate the sample. I think she was maybe being a bit defensive - surely you can carefully do both? But no, it shouldn't matter at all.

[alvertta in reply to PMRpro]

Good to know. Just about to inject the Actemra.

[Coffeebeans]

This is something that was done routinely years ago but as PMRPRO says, was found to make little difference, even make injections less tolerable as it can make the jab sting if arm is not fully dry.

Having said that, I'm sure it wouldn't cause too much bother to have used another wipe on your arm if it helped you feel more relaxed about things. Just don't worry too much about it next time if possible.