Parents, Do you know what a safety needle syringe is? and Is your pediatrician using them? Mine is not!

I never heard the term "safety needle" or "safety syringe" as a consumer. However, while attending trade shows such as the Medical Design &Manufacturing East Trade Show  and also as an industry insider I soon learned that safety syringes are a type of syringe where a safety mechanism is built into the syringe to prevent needle stick injuries to both patient and the healthcare worker.

During a recent trip to the pediatrician, where my toddler received 2 vaccinations, I was surprised to find that this type of needle was not used. After my daughter received her first shot, the syringe was placed on a tray by her foot, with the needle sticking out open. When the nurse administered the second syringe, my daughter kicked the tray and almost received a needle stick injury.

I later asked my pediatrician, why safety needles were not used. Her response, "They are too expensive".

As a parent I find this appalling, especially since young children have the potential to react strongly to receiving shots, and therefore might be at a higher risk for needle stick injury. 

 I spoke with many other moms about the incident, and no one was familiar with safety needles. They all assumed their pediatricians were using the safest technology available for their children. Some moms even experienced a needle stick injury with their child.

Next time you take your child for yearly vaccinations, ask your pediatrician about safety needles. They are widely available from all major syringe device manufacturers. 

See links below for more product information.

https://www.bd.com/en-us/offerings/capabilities/syringes-and-needles/safety-syringes-and-needles/safety-syringes

https://www.cardinalhealth.com/en/product-solutions/medical/patient-care/sharps-safety/medication-delivery/safety-needles-and-syringes.html