MJA
MJA

Recognising injuries related to needlestick injury in farmers: the importance of identifying high pressure injections with mineral oil

Jared A Brown, Nicholas A Buckley, Rose Cairns and Claire E Wylie
Med J Aust 2020; 212 (2): . || doi: 10.5694/mja2.50448
Published online: 3 February 2020

To the Editor: Currie and colleagues highlight the important topic of animal vaccines as occupational hazards and the need for improved clinician advice to manage patients safely.1 The article title describes “high pressure” injections, yet the oil emulsion vaccine of most concern, against ovine Johne's disease, is delivered via a standard needle injection. All accidental mineral oil injections are of concern (as are all high pressure injections). Appropriate identification and advice can be obtained by contacting a Poisons Information Centre (PIC). This was not discussed by Currie and colleagues, although it was recommended in a reference they cited.2 Unlike some vaccine manufacturers, the publicly funded PIC service provides 24‐hour emergency medical advice (131 126) for the public and health professionals.

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