- For infants and young children, the recommended site for PCV13 and PCV15 vaccinations is the vastus lateralis muscle. Consequently, the recommended intramusuclar injection for each does of pentavalent vaccine is on the anterolateral part of the mid-thigh. The vastus lateralis muscle is located on the mid-lower anterolateral part of the thigh.
Origin: Lateral and intermuscular septum, the lateral lip of the linea aspera and the gluteal tuberosity
Insertion: medial patellar retinaculum and patella
Action: extends the leg
To locate the muscle:
Superior border: a hand width below the groin
Inferior border: a hand width above the knee
Lateral borders: medial to the lateral part of the thigh
2. The common site of vaccinations for older children and adults is the deltoid muscle. It is located in the arm.
Origin: Lateral 1/3 of the clavicle, acromion, the lower lip of the crest of the spine of scapula
Insertion: Deltoid tuberosity of the humerus
Action: Abducts arm; flex and medially rotate the arm; laterally rotate and extend the arm.
To locate the muscle
It can be found on the superior part of the humerus/upper arm. It sits like a crown on the shoulder.