Dealing With A Sore Arm After Your Shot
Most people experience some arm soreness after a vaccination, which usually fades within a few days. But for some, the pain lasts longer or feels more intense.
Understanding why this happens — and how to manage it — can make recovery easier and help you recognize when the pain might signal something more serious.
Why Does Arm Pain Happen After a Vaccine?
When you get a shot, the needle penetrates the deltoid muscle in your upper arm. This can cause minor muscle trauma and localized swelling as your body increases blood flow to the area. Beyond the injection itself, vaccines trigger an immune response, which may cause additional soreness, mild swelling, or even a low-grade fever as your immune system builds protection.
Sometimes, the pain can be affected by how the vaccine was given. If injected too high or deep into the shoulder, the needle can hit structures it shouldn’t — such as the bursa or joint — leading to increased soreness or inflammation. This improper technique can occasionally result in a condition called Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA), which causes ongoing pain and stiffness.
Reducing Arm Pain Before and After a Shot
You can take simple steps to minimize soreness before and after vaccination:
Relax your muscles during the shot — tensing up increases tenderness.
Choose your non-dominant arm if possible to avoid disrupting daily activities.
Stay hydrated and well-rested, since proper immune function supports faster recovery.
Afterward, apply a cold compress for 10–15 minutes at a time to reduce swelling.
Gentle movement and stretching help prevent stiffness — slow arm circles or light lifting can keep blood flowing.
If needed, over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can ease discomfort.
For lingering soreness, heat therapy (such as a warm towel or bath) can relax the muscle and improve circulation.
When Vaccine Pain May Indicate a Shoulder Injury
While most post-vaccine soreness is temporary, pain that lasts more than a week, worsens over time, or limits your ability to move your arm could indicate SIRVA. This occurs when a vaccine is injected into the wrong part of the shoulder, damaging tendons or joint tissues. Symptoms often include sharp pain, weakness, and a reduced range of motion that doesn’t improve with time.
If you suspect your arm pain after vaccination isn’t normal, you may be eligible for compensation through the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP).
At Pearsall Law Firm, P.C., we help individuals nationwide recover medical costs, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering — all at no cost. If your vaccine-related arm pain hasn’t gone away, contact Pearsall Law Firm, P.C. today to see how we can help you get the care and compensation you need.