Pain in arm after flu shot

I to recieved a flu shot 2 months ago (09-2011) and my upper right arm is still hurting. I also went to the doctor and told him that when the shot was given, it was extremely painful (not normal). I also told him that the shot was given really high, up by my shoulder. Sounds to me that there are a lot of people given shots incorrectly. Like the rest of you, hoping the pain slowly goes away.

Hi. I got a flu shot on October 22, 2011 and it is Novemeber 21, 2011 and my arm is still in pain. It hurts more when I move it. I cannot do any daily activities without causing more pain. I googled my symptoms to see if anyone else out there experienced this as was surprised to find out that so many other people went through this. I came across this forum and was amazed to find out that people had experience this in 2008! Maybe I should have googled this before the flu shot! I went to my doctor and she told me that the pharmacist who administered the shot probably hit a nerve and it will go away, worst case scenario 3 months. That is b.s. Im supposed to wait and see what happens? That answer was totally unacceptable. My soon-to-be former doctor told me if it still hurts to come back in a month. Not only am I pissed off about what the doctor said, but even more pissed that I got a flu shot from an inexperienced pharmacist!!!!! I have an appointment tomorrow to see a neurologist. I am also looking into taking legal action.

Hi. I got a flu shot on October 22, 2011 and it is Novemeber 21, 2011 and my arm is still in pain. It hurts more when I move it. I cannot do any daily activities without causing more pain. I googled my symptoms to see if anyone else out there experienced this as was surprised to find out that so many other people went through this. I came across this forum and was amazed to find out that people had experience this in 2008! Maybe I should have googled this before the flu shot! I went to my doctor and she told me that the pharmacist who administered the shot probably hot a nerve and it will go away, worst case scenario 3 months. That is b.s. Im supposed to wait and see what happens? That answer was totally unacceptable. My soon-to-be former doctor told me if it still hurts to come back in a month. Not only am I pissed off about what the doctor said, but even more pissed that I got a flu shot from an inecperienced pharmacist!!!!! I have an appointment tomorrow to see a neurologist. I am also looking into taking legal action.

Hi all,

I'm 61 years of age and got my flu jab about 6 weeks ago. Soon after I noticed pain in my shoulder. I am now having throbbing pains in my arm as well. This is to the degree that it is keeping me awake at night. Today it is really painful, so I decided to look in to what could be causing it. After reading so many similar complaints I am going to visit my G.P tomorrow.As I also suffer from other painful problems I could well be doing without this. I hope a remedy can be found which will help us all. Good luck.

I got the flu shot 3-1/2 weeks ago. Saw a doctor because the pain was so bad I couldn't sleep. He said I had gotten the shot in my shoulder joint. This is serious, folks!! It's like you've gotten a chemical poisoning into your shoulder. If you think this has happened to you, get to a doctor ASAP, and get a cortisone shot. That should help, and immediately take care of the pain. If your doctor poo-poo's you, get to someone else!

Hi Rosa,
It sounds like most of us had nerve damage from larger needles.
Good to know that there are options. For heaven's sake why are we not getting injections in the upper glut instead of our arms? Also if there is an intradermal injection why for heavens sake are we using big needles? Many people her have been debilitated by the arm shot with large needles. If it's preventable then what's up with repeating the same errors?
Thanks for the info about intradermal injections. We can request those in the future.
Best,
Greg

Just today my partner got her flu shot. Within ten minutes she was complaining of arm/shoulder and neck pain and within another five minutes the pain went all the way down into her hand. I called the pharmacist and she said this happens sometimes because "we can't see the nerve". Any quick advice ?
Bonnie

Hello everyone, 

Have you all received the Intramuscular vaccine or the Intradermal vaccine? Although the intradermal vaccine can still cause pain in the arm afterwards, it is less common since it is a very tiny needle. I am just curious to know which type of vaccine you're experiencing this pain with? 

If you aren't sure-- if the needle was large, it was IM. If it was a thin, relatively small needle then it was intradermal. 

Thanks,

Rosa

Hello,

I was given the 2011 flu shot early October and I too, have the same issues as others. The shot was given VERY high up on my arm, almost in my shoulder. I have pain in my shoulder when I try to dress or raise my arm up over my head. I am thinking about going to my doctor this week.

I too had a flu shot high up on my left arm, and it hurt like it had never hurt before. I believe the nurse put it in a tendon because the pain and lack of movement I am experiencing is similar to the tendinitis I have had. I hope it does not last.