Who Feels The Pain
Among the people I know who have been vaccinated so far, some have felt little to no soreness. Others couldnât sleep for days because of the pain. One friend who got the Pfizer shot said it felt like he had been punched by a professional boxer.
For symptoms like arm pain, individual variation is the norm, and studies suggest multiple explanations. Age can diminish immune reactions, for example. So can higher BMIs, found a recent preprint study.
Genetics likely plays a role in varied and complex ways, experts say. And gender matters, too. In addition to a vast literature on sex differences and immunity, women appear to experience more side effects than men in response to a COVID-19 vaccine, according to emerging evidence, even though men seem to suffer a larger impact from the virus itself.
Pain perception is another X-factor. Everyone processes pain signals differently. And fear and anxiety can exacerbate the feelings of pain, says Anna Taddio, a pharmacy professor who studies pain related to medical procedures in children at the University of Toronto.
Studies show that fear of needles is an important barrier to vaccination for a significant number of people. A quarter of adults reported being afraid of needles in a 2012 study by Taddio and colleagues. According to one new analysis of 119 published studies, 16 percent of adults and 27 percent of hospital employees avoided flu shots because of needle fears.
Is Arm Pain More Common With The Covid
By now, youve probably heard or maybe experienced firsthand that both Pfizers and Modernas COVID-19 vaccines can cause more noticeable side effects than other adult vaccinations, including arm pain. In fact, between 65% and 82% of people experience injection site soreness afterwards, and this side effect is more common with Modernas shot.
As with all two-dose vaccines, those getting either Pfizers or Modernas COVID-19 vaccination are more likely to experience arm pain after the second dose. This side effect is also more common if you are under 65 years old. Its possible for this tenderness to last up to 7 days a bit longer than with most other vaccinations. Just remember, the tips for reducing arm pain mentioned earlier are also helpful for soreness caused by the COVID-19 vaccine.
What Arm Should I Get My Flu Shot In
Dr. Mora recommends getting the flu shot in the arm you use the least. “That way if you are writing or doing day-to-day activities, you’re not aggravating the muscle even more,” she says.Some other ways to reduce pain include trying not to tense your arm while you’re being vaccinated and moving your arm after vaccination to increase blood flow and help disperse the vaccine throughout the area.
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What Are Some Other Side Effects Of This Drug
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
- Pain, redness, or swelling where the shot was given.
- Feeling tired or weak.
- Muscle pain.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
How Can I Alleviate My Arm Pain

Swelling, redness and soreness are common after the flu shot and can last 24-48 hours. “If you always experience soreness or swelling after a flu vaccination, take an ibuprofen about 2 hours prior to vaccination,” suggests Dr. Mora. “You can also try icing the injection site to reduce redness and swelling and taking another dose of ibuprofen to ease any soreness or swelling.”
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Why Is Your Arm Sore
The flu shot introduces influenza virus components into your body. This can be in the form of an inactivated virus or single viral proteins.
The goal is for your immune system to make antibodies to fight off these viral components. These antibodies can then protect you against an actual influenza infection.
While the flu shot cannot cause you to become sick with the flu, your immune system still recognizes whats been injected into you as foreign.
As a result, it produces an immune response, which leads to the soreness or swelling that occurs near the injection site.
How Safe Are The Pneumococcal Vaccines
Any vaccine can cause side effects in some people. Some people who get pneumococcal vaccine have a little swelling and pain in the arm where the shot was given. This usually lasts for less than 2 days. Some children getting PCV13 may have a fever that lasts a few days. Other side effects like aching muscles and severe side effects like allergic reactions are rare.
PPV23 and PCV13 can be given at the same time as all other vaccines, but should not be given with each other.
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How Long Does Arm Pain Last
For most people, arm pain starts within 24 hours of receiving a vaccination and can last for about a day or two. This experience can vary based on which vaccine you are receiving.
For example, Shingrix tends to cause more intense pain and lasts longer than other shots. Before receiving a vaccination, ask your provider or pharmacist how long arm pain typically lasts for that particular vaccine.
Problems That Could Happen After Getting Any Injected Vaccine
- People sometimes faint after a medical procedure, including vaccination. Sitting or lying down for about 15 minutes can help prevent fainting and injuries caused by a fall. Tell your doctor if you or your child:
- Feel dizzy
- Have vision changes
- Have ringing in the ears
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When Is Arm Pain After A Vaccine A Sign Of Something More Serious
For most people, arm pain after a vaccine is generally mild and a quick-passing problem. But there are some times when you should contact your provider. Keep in mind that these reactions are rare and are not necessarily signs you cannot receive future vaccinations.
If the person giving you a shot inserts the needle too high, you can develop shoulder problems, including nerve pain and limited range of motion. When this happens, arm pain will start within two days of your vaccination, continue longer than what is typical for that vaccine, and will not feel better if you take pain relievers. This issue is preventable, needs to be treated by your provider, and should be reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System .
While true allergies to vaccines are rare, painful rashes after receiving a shot are more common. It is not unusual for these reactions to happen several days to weeks later. This type of side effect is not always a sign of an allergy, but it could be. If you notice a rash or hives where you received a vaccination, you should be seen by your provider.
Will Pain And Other Symptoms Be Worse After Receiving A Second Shot
It may be. While everyones immune system is unique, it is not unusual for injection site reactions pain, swelling, or redness or other side effects to be worse with booster shots. While this is most often seen with routine childhood immunizations that require multiple injections, it can happen with adult immunizations as well, including the pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine and the two-dose mRNA COVID-19 vaccines.
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What Is Covid Arm
COVID arm, which should be more accurately referred to as “COVID vaccine arm” per Dr. Little, is a delayed hypersensitivity reaction to a component of the COVID vaccine. “It is a red, sometimes itchy or tender localized reaction near the vaccine injection site that occurs most frequently about 7 days after the vaccine, though it can occur as late as two weeks post-vaccine,” she explains. It usually lasts around fives days, though sometimes it may last a shorter or longer time, and most reports have been in response to the Moderna COVID vaccine.
Shoulder Injury Related To Vaccine Administration

Shoulder injury related to vaccine administration is “shoulder pain and limited range of motion occurring after the administration of a vaccine intended for intramuscular administration in the upper arm . . . thought to occur as a result of unintended injection of vaccine antigen or trauma from the needle into and around the underlying bursa of the shoulder”.
SIRVA has been described as under-reported and preventable, and “caused by incorrect technique or landmarking for intramuscular deltoid injections”. Because the injury is a result of the injection technique rather than the substance injected, SIRVA can occur irrespective of the vaccine being administered. Although the injury is typically associated with vaccination, it can also occur as the result of any other kind of injection into the shoulder area. However, examination of injury reports suggests that this type of injury is of increased severity when administration of a vaccine is involved, which “may be due either to the antigenic or nonantigenic components of the vaccine”. In order to avoid this type of injury, injection administrators are advised to avoid injecting the patient too high, too low, or too far to the side, and to avoid using needles that fail to penetrate deeply into the muscle, or that penetrate too deeply and contact the bone.
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What Is The Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine
The vaccine for pneumonia prevents pneumococcal disease, which is an illness caused by pneumococcal bacteria, the most common cause of pneumonia. This vaccine is usually administered in 4 doses at the ages of 2, 4, 6, and 12-15 months of age. The CDC recommends children 6 years or older and adults with certain medical conditions receive PCV13 if they havent already, as well as healthy adults 65 years of age or older who havent gotten the vaccine either.
References:
Side Effects Of The Pneumococcal Vaccine In Adults And Older Children
Mild side effects of the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine , the version of the pneumococcal vaccine given to adults and children over the age of 2, include:
- mild soreness or hardness at the site of the injection lasting 1 to 3 days
- a slightly raised temperature
More serious side effects of the PPV vaccine, such as allergic reactions, are rare.
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Can Pneumococcal Disease Be Prevented
Yes. There are two vaccines to prevent it. Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine protects against the 23 pneumococcal types most likely to cause disease in older children and adults, but is only approved for people 2 years of age and older. A new pneumococcal conjugate vaccine , protects against the 13 types of pneumococcal bacteria most likely to cause infection in young children, and is approved for infants and children younger than 5 years of age.
Get The Pneumonia Vaccine At Your Local Pharmacy
We have a pneumonia vaccination service offering Prevenar 13 for anyone over 18, as long as its safe for you to have. You can book your vaccine online or come into store and speak to a pharmacist first to check its suitable for you. This is a great option for people who want to get vaccinated but who dont qualify for a free jab on the NHS.
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Why Choose Mctlaw As Your Vaccine Injury Lawyers
- mctlaw won the single largest financial compensation awarded to a vaccine injury patient in the history of the VICP.
- Our firm has been the leading law firm in the country for vaccine injury compensations in the last 5 years.
- Our vaccine attorneys have successfully won compensation for thousands
- mctlaw has over 20 years experience litigating vaccine injury cases in the US court of federal claims.
/6do You Experience Pain Only Around The Site Of Injection
When the vaccine is injected onto the arm, the most common reaction is felt at the site where the vaccine jab is given, and inflammation happens, which ultimately causes soreness and pain. However, it can also be common to experience some level of pain, ache and discomfort in the arm that has been jabbed, since vaccination side-effects also tend to cause muscle aches, stiffness and malaise. The pain and discomfort people say can be similar to what happens when you develop a flu-like illness.
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When Should I Seek Help For Injection
Any injection site that continues to be problematic after 48 hours should be seen by your doctor immediately. Other symptoms that may warrant medical care:
- High fever following a vaccination
- Signs of an allergic reaction, which can include difficulty breathing, hoarseness or wheezing, hives, paleness, weakness, a fast heartbeat, or dizziness.
Concerned about pain, swelling, or soreness after your vaccine? Find a UPMC Urgent Care location near you.
What Are Some Side Effects That I Need To Call My Doctor About Right Away

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash hives itching red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever wheezing tightness in the chest or throat trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking unusual hoarseness or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
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/6soreness In The Arm Can Be A Good Thing
The tenderness and soreness are directly linked to how inflamed your arm is. Put simply, the more inflammation you have, the more swollen and probably painful your arm could be- signifying the reason why some people experience more intense, or longer-lasting pain at the site of injection than others.
However, many experts also add that extreme soreness in the arm, or tenderness could also be a prime sign that your vaccine is working just as well, as it is supposed to be. A vaccine is supposed to prompt inflammation in the body and create antibodies. If you do experience high levels of inflammation, it probably is a good sign that your vaccine is doing its job well and working to provide ample protection.
How Mctlaw Can Help You File A Claim In The Vaccine Injury Program
mctlaw will represent you for no cost. Our firm will never charge you ANY legal fees. Our attorneys fees are paid by the federal government, so you can afford highly experienced representation without any cost to you. We also review your potential case for free. Heres what our attorneys need to see if you qualify to file a claim:
- A record of your vaccinations, the date you were immunized, and the type of shot you were given.
- A record of your first treatment after the shot and of the latest treatment you received.
- Other medical records that are related to your vaccine injury.
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Why Does Soreness Last For A Few Days
Your body’s process of reacting to the vaccine can take several days. which is why you may end up having arm soreness for that time, Holmes says. The pain from the inflammation caused by the shot itself also takes time to go away.
Think of inflammation as the pain you get after you hurt your knee or ankle that kind of pain can take a few days to resolve, Valdez say. She also adds that the small injury to your muscle from the needle also takes time to heal. The site of injection is starting block of the immune response. A lot is going on in that one site.
What Is The Pneumococcal Vaccine
The pneumococcal vaccine is an injection given to protect you from pneumococcal disease. Pneumococcal disease develops from an infection caused by pneumococcal bacteria. The infection may cause pneumonia or an ear infection. Pneumococcal disease is spread from person to person through coughing and sneezing. The vaccine comes in 2 forms, called pneumococcal conjugate vaccine and pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine .
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What To Do If Your Child Is Unwell After Pneumococcal Vaccination
Most common side effects in babies and young children, such as swelling or redness at the injection site, usually go away within a couple of days and you do not need to do anything about them.
If your child develops a fever, keep them cool. Make sure they do not wear too many layers of clothes or blankets, and give them cool drinks.
You can also give them a dose of infant paracetamol or ibuprofen liquid according to the instructions on the bottle.
Read an NHS leaflet about the common side effects of vaccination that may occur in babies and children under the age of 5, and how to treat them.