In medical care, an injection is the introduction of a drug, vaccine, contraceptive or other therapeutic agent into the body using a needle and syringe. Injections are among the most common health care procedures throughout the world. It is of vital importance that injections are carried out safely, i.e. in a way that does not harm the patient or expose the health care worker to unnecessary risk, and does not result in waste that is dangerous for the community. The use of sterile equipment for all injections is essential.