The effect of needle length and skin to deltoid muscle distance in adults receiving an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The mRNA COVID vaccines are only licensed for intramuscular injection but it is unclear whether successful intramuscular administration is required for immunogenicity.

Methods

In this observational study, eligible adults receiving their first Comirnaty^TM/BNT162b2 dose had their skin to deltoid muscle distance (SDMD) measured by ultrasound. The relationship between SDMD and height, weight, body mass index, and arm circumference was assessed. Three needle length groups were identified: 'clearly sufficient' (needle exceeding SDMD by >5 mm), 'probably sufficient' (needle exceeding SDMD by ≤ 5 mm), and 'insufficient' (needle length ≤ SDMD). Baseline and follow-up finger prick blood samples were collected and the primary outcome variable was mean spike antibo

SUBMITTER: Hills T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9239984 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature