You know where you can stick that … or do you? Where to inject the deltoid and why

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has seen a huge increase in the number of intramuscular injections into the deltoid being administered. Alan Walker provides an overview of the anatomy of the deltoid and injection technique Intramuscular injection into the deltoid muscle is the mainstay of current vaccination practice. The COVID-19 pandemic has seen a huge surge in the number of injections to be administered, and recruitment of vaccinators from more widely differing backgrounds than has been customary. Incorrect technique can cause injury, so this article summarises present knowledge of the at-risk structures, and proposes a method of injection that reduces hazards. It aims to improve the knowledge of vaccinators, and especially their trainers.