MAKE YOUR INJECTION

A SAFE INJECTION
DID YOU KNOW? WHO IS AT RISK?
An unsafe injection could put you at risk of getting
a life-threatening infection such as:

30% 3% 0.3%
PATIENTS CHILDREN IN THE HEALTH CARE
COMMMUNITY WORKERS

HEPATITIS B HEPATITIS C HIV who receive who play near areas where who get injured
unsafe syringes and needles have by used
Estimated risk of getting these infections from a contaminated syringe or needle. injections. been thrown away. needles.

WHAT MAKES AN INJECTION UNSAFE?

1 2 3 4
Re-use of syringes Overuse of injections Unsafe collection
Lack of clean
and needles, for illnesses where medicines and disposal
work spaces
and other injection by mouth are available of used injection
and hands.
equipment. and recommended. equipment.

DO YOU REALLY NEED

AN INJECTION?
How to make smart injection choices

WHAT YOU CAN DO WHAT YOU CAN DO AS A

AS A PATIENT HEALTH CARE WORKER

Ask if a medicine taken by Offer your patient a medicine

1 mouth is available. These can 1 that can be taken by mouth,
work as well as injections. if available.

If you do need an injection, ask Use smart syringes that can be

2 for a smart syringe as they can be 2 used once only. Open the package
used once only. Check that the in front of your patient to reassure
syringe and needle package is them that the syringe and needle
new, sealed and undamaged. have not been used before.

Make sure your skin is Clean the area where the injection
3 disinfected before 3 is being given and perform hand
the injection. hygiene before giving the injection.

Talk to your children and community Place the needle, syringe and single
4 about the dangers of picking up 4 use vial in a safety sharps box as
used syringes and needles. soon as they have been used.

Make smart injection choices and help avoid the risk of

infection from an unsafe injection.
For more information visit:
www.who.int/infection-prevention