Why Flu Shots Make Your Arm Sore
It’s normal for your arm to feel sore for a few days after getting a flu shot. This short-term pain happens because your immune system is responding to the vaccine and learning how to protect you from the flu virus.
Most people experience mild swelling or tenderness that fades within a few days. However, if your shoulder pain lasts for more than a week — or worsens instead of improving — that’s not typical. Ongoing or severe arm pain after vaccination may be a sign of a condition called SIRVA (Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration).
SIRVA occurs when a vaccine is injected too high or too deep in the shoulder, irritating or damaging the shoulder’s tendons, bursa, or joint capsule. Unlike ordinary post-vaccine soreness, SIRVA causes prolonged, intense pain that can radiate down the arm and limit your ability to move your shoulder. People with SIRVA often notice:
Pain beginning within 48 hours of the shot
Reduced range of motion
Weakness or loss of shoulder strength over time
If these symptoms sound familiar, you should see your doctor as soon as possible. A healthcare provider may order imaging tests like an MRI to look for inflammation or tears and diagnose related conditions such as bursitis, tendinitis, frozen shoulder, or rotator cuff injuries.
Treatment usually starts with rest, over-the-counter pain relief, and physical therapy to restore strength and mobility. In more serious cases, doctors may recommend steroid injections or, rarely, surgery. Most people improve with treatment, but recovery can take months — and in some cases, the pain can linger for years.
If your shoulder pain began after a flu shot, you may also qualify for financial compensation through the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) — a federal system created to help people injured by vaccines.
This program can cover:
Past and future medical expenses
Lost wages
Pain and suffering (up to $250,000)
You do not sue your doctor or the vaccine manufacturer — your claim is filed directly in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, and attorney fees are covered by the program.
At Pearsall Law Firm, P.C., we help people across the U.S. who have suffered SIRVA and other vaccine-related injuries. Mr. Pearsall personally handles every part of your claim so you can focus on healing. If you’ve had shoulder pain for six months or more after a flu shot within the last three years, contact us today for a free consultation.
You may be entitled to significant compensation, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Simply click the “Contact Us Now” button at the top of this page.
Your recovery, and your right to compensation, matter!