Does the CDC require gloves to administer injections?
Posted: Fri Mar 12, 2021 3:21 pm
Frequently Asked Questions on Gloves and Injections
The CDC follows OSHA recommendations for injection administration that state gloves do not have to be worn unless there is “reasonable anticipation of employee hand contact with blood, other potentially infectious material, mucous membranes, or non-intact skin; when performing vascular access procedures; or when handling or touching contaminated surfaces or items.”
Why are gloves not required to administer vaccines?
Gloves aren’t required to administer vaccines because there is not usually contact with bodily fluids and because gloves may discourage the use of proper hand hygiene techniques.
When should a nurse wear gloves to give a vaccine?
A nurse should wear gloves to give a vaccine if there is a risk of contact with infectious bodily fluids or if there are any open lesions on the hand.
What is the hygiene protocol for administering injections?
Proper hand hygiene for vaccine injection stipulates that the healthcare professional should wash their hands with soap and water or use an antiseptic hand rub between every patient contact, even if gloves are worn.
What should you do if a patient confronts you about not wearing gloves?
You can defer to your facility’s policy on wearing gloves while giving a vaccine; however, providing proper hand hygiene is performed between each patient, you always have the choice to wear gloves while giving vaccines if it makes you or your patient feel more comfortable. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Administration’s Best Practices Guidance of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), wearing gloves is not required for healthcare workers who are administering vaccinations to both adults and children. The official guidelines state: “Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations do not require gloves to be worn when administering vaccinations unless persons administering vaccinations have open lesions on their hands or are likely to come into contact with a patient’s body fluids.”
The CDC follows OSHA recommendations for injection administration that state gloves do not have to be worn unless there is “reasonable anticipation of employee hand contact with blood, other potentially infectious material, mucous membranes, or non-intact skin; when performing vascular access procedures; or when handling or touching contaminated surfaces or items.”
Why are gloves not required to administer vaccines?
Gloves aren’t required to administer vaccines because there is not usually contact with bodily fluids and because gloves may discourage the use of proper hand hygiene techniques.
When should a nurse wear gloves to give a vaccine?
A nurse should wear gloves to give a vaccine if there is a risk of contact with infectious bodily fluids or if there are any open lesions on the hand.
What is the hygiene protocol for administering injections?
Proper hand hygiene for vaccine injection stipulates that the healthcare professional should wash their hands with soap and water or use an antiseptic hand rub between every patient contact, even if gloves are worn.
What should you do if a patient confronts you about not wearing gloves?
You can defer to your facility’s policy on wearing gloves while giving a vaccine; however, providing proper hand hygiene is performed between each patient, you always have the choice to wear gloves while giving vaccines if it makes you or your patient feel more comfortable. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Administration’s Best Practices Guidance of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), wearing gloves is not required for healthcare workers who are administering vaccinations to both adults and children. The official guidelines state: “Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations do not require gloves to be worn when administering vaccinations unless persons administering vaccinations have open lesions on their hands or are likely to come into contact with a patient’s body fluids.”