Hi everyone - I'm so sorry that we continue to hear from people experiencing arm pain after getting a flu shot. I'm also glad you're taking the time to write in and let us know how long it's lasting, what's providing relief and other information that helps other EmpowHer members.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) does acknowledge that the most common side effect of a flu vaccine in adults is soreness at the spot where the shot was given. The CDC states that the soreness "usually lasts less than two days" and is often caused by a person’s immune system making protective antibodies to the killed viruses in the vaccine. These antibodies are what allow the body to fight against flu. CDC also acknowledges that an improper needle stick can cause soreness at the injection site.
The CDC has an Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) which has determined that "rare symptoms" include fever, muscle pain, and feelings of discomfort or weakness. ACIP states that If these problems occur, they are very uncommon and usually begin soon after the shot and last 1-2 days.
Several of you have reported symptoms and problems that don't match the official information from CDC. You might therefore be interested in knowing that patients and physicians can report possible side effects and reactions from flu shots to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), a safety program maintained by the FDA and CDC.
http://vaers.hhs.gov/about/index
Thanks everyone for providing information to support each other. It's truly helpful.
Take good care,
Pat
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Hi everyone - I'm so sorry that we continue to hear from people experiencing arm pain after getting a flu shot. I'm also glad you're taking the time to write in and let us know how long it's lasting, what's providing relief and other information that helps other EmpowHer members.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) does acknowledge that the most common side effect of a flu vaccine in adults is soreness at the spot where the shot was given. The CDC states that the soreness "usually lasts less than two days" and is often caused by a person’s immune system making protective antibodies to the killed viruses in the vaccine. These antibodies are what allow the body to fight against flu. CDC also acknowledges that an improper needle stick can cause soreness at the injection site.
The CDC has an Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) which has determined that "rare symptoms" include fever, muscle pain, and feelings of discomfort or weakness. ACIP states that If these problems occur, they are very uncommon and usually begin soon after the shot and last 1-2 days.
Several of you have reported symptoms and problems that don't match the official information from CDC. You might therefore be interested in knowing that patients and physicians can report possible side effects and reactions from flu shots to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), a safety program maintained by the FDA and CDC.
http://vaers.hhs.gov/about/index
Thanks everyone for providing information to support each other. It's truly helpful.
December 3, 2009 - 5:56pmTake good care,
Pat
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