Why is my left arm and shoulder very painful after getting my 2010 Flu Shot?

Hi Anonymous,

This is a very common thread posting during the Flu Season. I also experienced a long lasting pain in the arm after my flu shot. It may take several months to recover from the pain as mine did. If you have any concerns, you should consult your physician to be sure that are no other underlying issues you are having and/or side effects from the shot.

Ok. I got a flu shot about 10 days ago. Never really thought anything bad until now. Last week or so, my elbows have been hurting. But last night when touching the upper shoulder, left side to the outer upper arm, was soooo tender to touch. More I pressed more it hurt. Last night, both elbows aching somewhat, but left worse. Hard to move them during the night like if your hand goes to sleep...anyway, all day today, left pinky and next finger are tingling , pins and needles and I can feel it throughout my forearm. I really am starting to believe it was from the combo flu shot of 2010. Does anyone else have similar story? What do I do?

Please know that some of these individuals who wrote about their lingering pain also have stated (in later posts throughout the thread) that they have other health issues or injuries that may exacerbate the condition.

Your arm may hurt for a few weeks after the injection. You may also talk with the nurse/doctor who have you the injection if it has been longer than a few weeks. My nurse told me that the other nurse (who gave me the shot) gave the injection too high in my arm, and some nerve damage occurred (presumption; no diagnosis) that eventually healed itself.

I hope this helps!

I'm sorry you experienced this...how long ago was your flu shot?

I experienced the same thing, and my arm was sore for 6 months afterwards, especially moving it above my head or trying to sleep in certain positions. I was worried that I would never recover, but I did without any residual pain, and even received a flu shot the following year with no incident.

We have heard from MANY people with similar situations, and you can join in on the discussion:
- Pain in Arm After Flu Shot
- Flu shot in December, and Two months later, still pain at site of injection
- Is it normal for my arm muscle to hurt two weeks after flu shot?
- No pain after flu shot this year!