What complication can arise from injecting a vaccine too high in the shoulder?

Injecting a vaccine too high in the shoulder can lead to Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA). This complication occurs when the vaccine is administered inappropriately within the deltoid muscle or too close to the shoulder joint, which can irritate or damage the structures surrounding the joint, including nerves, ligaments, and tendons. Symptoms of SIRVA may include pain, stiffness, limited range of motion, and swelling in the region of the shoulder.

Proper injection technique is crucial for minimizing the risk of complications, and this includes targeting the correct anatomical site for vaccine administration. The deltoid muscle is the preferred site for intramuscular vaccinations in adults, but it must be approached carefully to avoid areas that could lead to injury.

Vaccine hesitancy, increased injection pain, and needle phobia are related to attitudes and experiences surrounding vaccinations but do not directly result from improper injection technique. SIRVA specifically addresses the physical consequences stemming from where the vaccine is injected within the shoulder region.