Q. It has been seven weeks since I had my annual flu shot, and my arm is still sore at the injection site.
I do not think I have a Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA) from having the vaccine injected into the wrong area. Nonetheless, the shoulder feels like I received the shot two days ago.
There appears to be anecdotal information that the new quad vaccine has left many recipients with sore arms for an extended period. Have you read any reports that this sore arm issue is widespread this year?
A. Anecdotal reports online suggest that other people have also experienced prolonged soreness after getting a flu shot.
The quadrivalent vaccine is intended to protect people against four different strains of influenza virus. Roughly half the flu shots administered this year are quadrivalent, so perhaps that accounts for the sore arms.
SIRVA
You mentioned SIRVA, shoulder pain and limited range of motion that comes on suddenly after a vaccination. It is believed to be due to an injury to the tendons, ligaments or bursa of the shoulder from a badly aimed needle.
Adverse reactions to flu vaccines are, unfortunately, not well studied (JAMA Internal Medicine, June 10, 2013). That makes it hard for people to weigh the benefits against the risks. This year’s flu shot does not protect people well from the most prevalent and severe flu virus, H3N2, although public health officials have urged them to use the immunization to protect against less common strains of influenza.
We are trying to get some idea of this year’s influenza vaccine side effects. Have you experienced any complications or symptoms after getting a flu shot. Please share your story below in the “What Do Your Think” section and thanks.
