Ensuring best practice for deltoid intramuscular vaccinations

+Practice

In print

Vaccines

Ensuring best practice for deltoid intramuscular vaccinations

30 August 2023

By Kate Hunter

Wednesday 30 August 2023, 12:20 AM

[Image: IMAC]

This article reviews correct landmarking and injection technique when administering vaccines into the deltoid muscle

Key points, Expose the whole arm (shoulder to elbow) to locate the acromion process and deltoid tuberosity on every patient. Careful use of a longer needle will, Pract Green w Pale Yellow

Vaccines

References

1. Ministry of Health. Processes for safe immunisation. Immunisation Handbook 2020. 27 June 2023.

2. TeachMe Anatomy. Deltoid.

3. Doppen M, Kearns C, Weatherall M, et al. When should a longer needle be used for intramuscular injection in obese patients? A combined analysis of New Zealand data. Vaccine 2023;41(16):2690–95.

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