What Should I Do if My Child is Complaining of Shoulder Pain After Getting a Flu Shot?

Shoulder pain is among the most-common complaints following vaccinations among both children and adults. In general, vaccine injections are expected to cause a moderate amount of shoulder pain, with this pain subsiding within 24 to 48 hours.

However, if shoulder pain following a vaccination persists, or if the pain is more than a mild throb at the injection site, it could potentially be symptomatic of a vaccine-related injury. These injuries, known as shoulder injuries related to vaccine administration (SIRVA), are among the most-common complications from vaccine injections, and they are a risk for vaccine recipients of all ages.

SIRVA Resulting from Pediatric Flu Shots

The risk of SIRVA relates not to an adverse reaction to the ingredients of a particular vaccine, but instead to mistakes made during the immunization process. As a result, SIRVA is a risk for all recipients of all vaccines, though it is most common with the annual flu shot since this is the most-common vaccine in the United States by a fairly wide margin. While there are protocols for administering the flu shot to children, these protocols are not always followed; and, with millions of flu shots administered to children annually, there are multiple cases of SIRVA each year.

There are several forms of SIRVA, and each specific type of vaccine-related shoulder injury has its own specific set of symptoms. Generally speaking, however, potential signs of SIRVA following a pediatric flu shot include:

  • Limited range of motion
  • Pain beyond a mild throb
  • Pain that worsens over time or that does not subsite within 24 to 48 hours
  • Pain that is felt beyond the injection site
  • Significant inflammation of the shoulder
  • Stiffness in the arm or shoulder (or both)
  • Weakness or numbness in the arm or shoulder (or both)

What to Do if You are Concerned about SIRVA

For parents who have concerns about SIRVA following their children’s flu shots, the most important thing to do is to seek a medical diagnosis promptly. Your family’s doctor can examine your child for signs of SIRVA and perform tests as necessary. If your child is diagnosed with a form of SIRVA, it will be important to follow your doctor’s medical advice, as appropriate treatment can be essential to a speedy recovery.

Following a SIRVA diagnosis, it is also important to speak with a vaccine injury attorney. Parents of children who are diagnosed with SIRVA can seek financial compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). The VICP provides no-fault compensation and no-cost legal representation is available, and in many cases it is possible to secure a financial recovery in as little as a few months. Learn more: How Can I Recover Financial Compensation for SIRVA?

Discuss Your Family’s VICP Claim with Vaccine Injury Attorney Leah V. Durant

If you would like more information about seeking financial compensation for your child’s SIRVA diagnosis, we encourage you to get in touch. To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with vaccine injury attorney Leah V. Durant, please call 202-800-1711 or request an appointment online today.

Leah Durant Bio

Experienced litigation attorney Leah Durant focuses on representing clients in complex vaccine litigation matters. Leah Durant is the owner and principal attorney of the Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC, a litigation firm based in Washington, DC. Leah Durant and her staff represent clients and their families who suffer from vaccine-related injuries, adverse vaccine reactions and vaccine-related deaths. The Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC is dedicated to assisting individuals in recovering the highest level of compensation as quickly and efficiently as possible. To learn more, contact vaccine attorney Leah Durant today.