The use of 25-mm, 23-gauge needles for infant immunizations resulted in fewer local reactions than did the use of 16-mm, 25-gauge needles, according to a study led by a British nurse. Parents whose infants received their third doses of diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus and Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine with the longer needle reported significantly lower rates of redness and swelling during the three days after injection. Reduced adverse reactions may help encourage parental adherence to vaccination schedules.

Diggle L, et al. BMJ 2000;321(7266):931-3.