Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) and pentavalent vaccine (Penta) are given via muscular route because these injections are preferred when prompt absorption is desired. This is because absorption is promoted by the huge blood supply of the muscles. In infants, the preferred site for these injections is the Vastus lateralis muscle. The muscle is commonly targeted because the muscle is thick and well-developed.
Origin: Greater trochanter and linea aspera of femur
Insertion: Patella via quadriceps tendon and then tibial tuberosity via patellar ligament
Action: Extends leg at knee joint
To locate the site (Vastus lateralis):
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Ensure that the leg is properly exposed
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Locate the greater trochanter of femur and patella
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Draw imaginary line between the two
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Visualize that the thigh is divided into thirds
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Locate the Vastus lateralis in the middle, outer area of the line
2) The baby’s 65-year-old grandfather also came to the center because influenza vaccine is being offered to senior citizens. The flu vaccine is given intramuscularly. Which muscle is the preferred site for IM injection in this case? Write down its origin, insertion and action. How do you locate this area?
For adults, IM injections like the flu vaccine can be administered in the Deltoid muscle.
Origin: Acromial extremity of clavicle (anterior fibers), acromion of scapula (lateral fibers), and spine of scapula (posterior fibers)
Insertion: Deltoid tuberosity of humerus
Action: Lateral fibers abduct arm at shoulder joint; anterior fibers flex and medially rotate arm at shoulder joint; posterior fibers extend and laterally rotate arm at shoulder joint.
To locate the Deltoid muscle:
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It is located above the level of the armpit
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Approximately 2-3 fingerbreadths below the acromion process.
References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Administering Pneumococcal Vaccine: For Providers | CDC. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved September 23, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/pneumo/hcp/administering-vaccine.html
Melbourne Vaccine Education Centre. (n.d.). Administration of injected vaccines - correct technique - The Melbourne Vaccine Education Centre (MVEC). Melbourne Vaccine Education Centre. Retrieved September 23, 2022, from https://mvec.mcri.edu.au/references/administration-of-injected-vaccines-correct-technique/
Tortora, G. J., & Derrickson, B. H. (2011). Principles of Anatomy and Physiology. Wiley.