COVID vaccine given way too low in the arm

Updated:   Published

covid-vaccine-given-low-in-the-arm.jpg.d9bf96321b62de0e4124f389dee54dba.jpg

My husband was able to get his COVID vaccine today, and he got home and his injection site was so low. It looks like it hit around the brachialis muscle. I'm really hoping it actually went into the muscle. I am so frustrated that they are not training people properly to administer these valuable vaccines. It is imperative that they are given properly or it could mean decreased efficacy. I tried to research accidental IM injections in the brachialis, and I can't find anything. Should I be worried? I have NEVER seen a vaccine given so low in my nursing career. I wish I had been there to stop her. I'm considering calling the vaccine location tomorrow to notify a manager about the improper administration - not in a berating way, but to notify them, and hope it results in better training.

There's really no excuse for this. As far as I know IM injections in the arm are always given in the deltoid and there is a very simple method for demarcation that you can find on Youtube. If a nurse gives the shot too low they should be disciplined. 
This is another reason I will not let a pharmacist give me a vaccine. 

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CMA, CNA.

I'm an MA in nursing school and we did vaccinations at the biggest vaccination site in the city recently. While I was nervous, they made us practice and practice often, and would not be allowed to go work the site without a nurse educator approving our injections on the mannequin.

I'm shocked someone did it that low. I would be terrified of hitting a nerve or something outside the muscle. I did read an article a whike back on this, but it was indicating more shots accidentally done subq than IM. Don't pinch! 

Up Vote Up Vote ×
On 3/29/2021 at 9:12 AM, Tommy5677 said:

There's really no excuse for this. As far as I know IM injections in the arm are always given in the deltoid and there is a very simple method for demarcation that you can find on Youtube. If a nurse gives the shot too low they should be disciplined. 
This is another reason I will not let a pharmacist give me a vaccine. 

Wouldn't "re-educated" be a better tactic? Everything is so punitive these days. 

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion