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Best practice for deltoid intramuscular vaccinations
Sunday 1 October 2023, 12:45 AM

How to locate the deltoid site [Image: IMAC]
Immunisation education facilitator Kate Hunter 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, Education Blue W/ Grey Background W/ Padding
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.