What is intramuscular injection and subcutaneous injection?

Answer 1

Intramuscular broken down is intra- (which means into or inside) and muscular (which is the muscle) so it is a shot or injection into the muscle while subcutaneous (the cutaneous layer is your skin) is where the injection goes into the skin but not deep enough to penetrate muscle.

Answer 2

Typical injected flu vaccines have been given parenterally only by the IM (intramuscular) administration route until the 2011-2012 season in the US when a new type of vaccine has been approved and added to the "arsenal". There is now an injection that is administered using an ID (intradermal) route.

Fluzone comes in an ID preparation now. It is administered using an individual pre-loaded syringe called a micro-injection system that injects the vaccine using a tiny needle that is 90% smaller than the IM needle, and inserts the vaccine between layers of the skin. IM route vaccines are also still available, as well as the intranasal flu vaccine mist preparation.

If you are interested in getting your vaccination using the ID Fluzone, call ahead to the location to be sure they will have that type of vaccine on hand and that you are a candidate for that form of vaccination.

In the US, this is called Fluzone. In other locations in the Northern Hemisphere it goes by the brand name Instanza and in the Southern Hemisphere it is called Instivac.

See the link to the CDC for more information in the related links section below.

The injectable flu vaccines are given IM (intramuscular). There are also nasal mists available for most flu vaccines.
The influenza vaccine comes in formulations for intramuscular injection, intradermal injection (new in 2011), and in a nasal mist spray.

Answer 3

Depends on the medication. VERY IMPORTANT. Either check the label, or ask the vet who sold it to you.