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I started this new share because I got the new flu shot 3 weeks ago- the one that contains the reg. flu and the H1N1 combined. I got it done at Walgreens. When the Dr (pharmacist, actually) put it in, it did not hurt. Even though it felt like it was in the bone and very high up. The actuall dispensing of the vaccine felt like it took longer than usual. Since then, my shoulder still hurts and I complain about it several times a day. I cannot sleep on it at night and everytime I roll over in bed, it wakes me (all night long). I have rec'd the flu shot for years and I never got this pain. For this reason, I will NOT be forcing my 10 yr old to get it because she could not tollerate this pain and would have missed many days of school thus far. Comments?
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You all have now injected your self with H1N1... Congratulations!!! An experimental vaccine, with no long term research, why do you think they advised pregnant woman and children against the nasal spray?? Because it was TOO potent and could cause severe side effects. Most ALL vaccines contain traces of toxic chemicals and heavy metals, such as mercury. We were born with and IMMUNE SYSTEM for a reason... To fight off things like this and build immunities our selves. I would never in a million years let my family or friends receive such toxic injections. Vaccines are also the leading cause of autism in new born babies, but the government would never tell you that, now would they?? Once again, congrats!!!!!!
October 22, 2010 - 12:50pmThis Comment
Hi Anonymous
You need to do some research. The nasal spray has live attenuated vaccine, and that is why they advise against giving it to children and pregnant women. It is not too potent, but it is possible to transmit flu while your immune system reacts to build antibodies to the nasal spray. That makes the spray slightly different from the injection.
No flu vaccine has long term research. It is a different vaccine each and every year. The core components stay the same, but the viral components change from year to year based on which virus is the most common. The H1N1 is really no different from any other flu vaccine.
Study after study (scientific, controlled studies) have shown that vaccines do not cause autism. I could link you but I have a feeling you aren't interested in reading true scientific information. Please keep your conspiracy theories to yourself unless you have scientific sources to back up what you say.
October 23, 2010 - 6:40amThis Comment
Your self-righteous, know-it-all, gov't conspiracy theory is WRONG. I have never gotten an H1N1 inoculation. I had a seasonal flu shot last month, which I've had almost every year my whole life, 27 years. I have never had one hurt so bad going in. It hurt when he put the needle in, and it burned like fire as the liquid was going in. It was the slowest flu shot I can remember (either b/c it was, or b/c it hurt so bad it felt like forever). He put it up high, in my shoulder joint/tendon, and I even asked the nurse at that point, if it was too high. I don't ever remember a shot so high on my arm. He said "No it has to go into the muscle, that part here *pinches the back of my arm* is just fatty tissue." I am not just saying this b/c of the pain of the shot, but that man is one of the biggest JERKS I have ever had the misfortune of having to interact with. He is the ONLY one at the Schweinfurt Army Health Clinic who gives shots and I detest going to his window. It's always SOME little jibe, or way of telling you you're doing something wrong. He's very direct, opinionated and rude, I mean just plain RUDE for no reason, to everyone who comes there. Once when waiting to talk with a Dr., A baby began screaming, from the direction of the shot room, and I heard the other nurses discussing how he enjoys his job too much, and that he says he hasn't done his job right unless the babies are screaming. So, personal issues with this nurse aside, I was not happy with his offhand, insulting, dismissal of my questioning his execution of the shot. With all the hundreds of comments I'm reading though, it REALLY makes me wonder why they are suddenly being instructed to give shots SO high up (in the shoulder joint). That's not the muscle. Someone mentioned symptoms of bursitis, and it sounds like that's what's could be going on, only caused by the shot being placed where it is. I have had a sore arm for a day or two after a shot before, but I agree this is not "NORMAL" pain, neither in intensity, presentation nor length of duration. It lasted a few weeks, and then seemed to be getting better, only to now feel like it's getting more sore today. I just finally told my mom about it today on Skype, and decided to google it tonight. It's a sharp stabbing pain in the joint when I try to lift or move my arm, especially more than 90 degrees or over my head. Or if I have to lift something with it. The muscle directly connecting the tendon with the shoulder is sore, and the tendon itself feels sore and hurts if I touch it. Every morning I wake up with it feeling even more sore, and if I can stretch some it feels a little better throughout the day. What IS going on? This should NOT be ignored, but is being pooh-pooed by nurses and Drs. alike. What are pain pills going to do for what's CAUSING the pain?!?!
October 22, 2010 - 5:35pmThis Comment
Hi Telephoneme
It sounds like the pharmacist may have injected in the wrong spot. The pain is likely not related to the shot itself, but the administration of the shot. There are cutaneous nerves just under the skin and if you hit one with the needle, it can be a problem.
If you haven't already, I suggest you see your health care provider and have your arm checked out to make sure you don't need some treatment for an injury. I'm sorry you are going through this, and I thank you for writing.
In your situation, I would still have my child vaccinated, but I would have it done by someone else who is better at it. Good luck.
October 22, 2010 - 6:32amThis Comment
I got my flu-h1n1-8 days ago 10/13/10 at Charleston AFB. It hurt tremendously at time of injection. My arm was relaxed. It is getting worse and I can't lift it higher than 90 degrees. I am 63 with heart disease. It is important for me to get the flu shot. But I am scared and in alot of pain. Haven't called my doc as I don't think there is anything they can do. Don't think I'll get the shot again and take my chances.
October 22, 2010 - 5:35amThis Comment
Hi Anonymous
Please do call your doctor to be sure you don't have a serious problem there. If you can't lift your arm and you continue not lifting it over a period of time you can end up with a permanent shoulder problem.
Check in with your doc for an exam and some advice. It's possible they injected in the wrong spot and hit a nerve or something. Early exam and exercises will keep that should from becoming frozen.
Good luck and thank you for writing.
October 22, 2010 - 6:28amThis Comment
I came here to find out if others have been affected by the flu shot, and wow, I am certainly not alone! I only had the shot 3 days ago, but have never experienced this kind of pain/loss of mobility/sleep deprivation from a flu shot. I have gotten lots of advice from friends on facebook who have told me to call the doctor. I honestly don't feel the Dr will tell me anything new. I have alternated ice and heat, taken motrin, & tried taking it as easy as possible. This pain is severe & I have a high pain threshold. I am hoping and praying this doesn't last too long, but after reading all of these comments, I am scared :(
October 21, 2010 - 11:27pmThis Comment
Anon - Some of our readers have seen their shoulder pain progress to the point of getting a "frozen" shoulder. The name may sound strange, but it's a real medical condition.
Frozen shoulder is a tightening of the shoulder joint and results in a loss of movement and pain at the shoulder joint.
* Active range of motion is lost—you cannot move your shoulder well
* Passive range of motion is lost—someone trying to move your arm at the shoulder joint will find it stiff and difficult to move
This condition gets worse over time. After a period of time, the shoulder may improve spontaneously. This improvement is called thawing. If the shoulder does NOT improve spontaneously then it's best to consult with an orthopedic specialist. Treatments including physical therapy and cortisone injections may be needed. You can find more information here:https://www.empowher.com/condition/frozen-shoulder/treatments
It may seem odd to be in so much pain from what should have been just a simple injection, but many people have experienced this. We hope you feel better soon and take some comfort in knowing you're not alone.
October 20, 2010 - 5:53pmPat
This Comment
I too had my flu shot at Walgreen's and it felt as though the pharmacist injected my shoulder joint. I now have symptoms of rotator cuff tears. Not seveer pain, but never the less, pain. It is a nucsience and I forget it hurts until I go to lift my arm or pick up my grandson. I hope it heals, whatever it is. Mine hurt from the git-go, and I think I even heard it pop when she injected me. I have never had this with other flu shots.
October 20, 2010 - 9:22amThis Comment
You r so not alone--- I love getting an email hearing that someone else knows this feel. Itell u, whether the pharmacist hit it or not, I felt that shot 'IN THE BONE.' This shoulder is still painful. I have given up on sleeping. All night, I turn on this shoulder and then POW again: the shoulder feels like it's literally been shot . I keep trying to exercise the arm and that is no help. I still cannot raise this shoulder straight up. Changing a shirt, putting on a jacket? Still a joke.
October 20, 2010 - 11:07amThis Comment