Practices and Perceptions among Nurses Related to Intramuscular COVID-19 Vaccination

Abstract

　In Japan, the use of intramuscular injections has increased rapidly since the introduction of COVID-19 vaccines. Initially, as this was a new technique, some confusion existed among medical professionals. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to clarify the confusion and doubts that have arisen in the field by investigating nurses’ practices and perceptions regarding intramuscular injection of COVID-19 vaccines, enabling us to identify issues arising through evidence-based experience of this issue.
　An anonymous, self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted among nurses in charge of mass vaccination against COVID-19. Valid responses were received from 1,353 individuals nationwide. The subjects considered that their employers had not given them sufficient explanations about the preparing for the vaccination program, forcing them to study on their own. However, they felt that there were limits and difficulties related to self-learning, creating a physical and psychological burden. In addition, the subjects were confused, unsure, and anxious about the new procedures. Although the subjects actually performed the procedure using a new technique, they experienced potentially dangerous events related to the depth of needle insertion and the need to confirm reverse blood, and had doubts about the basis for this, prompting them to try an alternative method that they considered preferable.
　After clarifying the basis of the procedures about which the subjects had doubts, we encourage nurses to consider reliable intramuscular injection techniques for vaccination and work to popularize them.