When Should Pain Go Away After a Flu Shot?

Getting the annual flu shot provides important protection for you and those around you. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that, “[a] flu vaccine is the first and best way to reduce your chances of getting the flu and spreading it to others,” and it recommends that almost everyone six months of age and older get vaccinated against influenza each year.

The annual flu shot has a handful of potential side effects, but the CDC describes these side effects as “generally mild.” These side effects include, “[s]oreness, redness and/or swelling from the shot.”

However, soreness at the injection site can also be a sign of a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA). SIRVA are a class of shoulder injuries with potentially-serious complications that result from errors during vaccine injections. While SIRVA is not specific to the flu shot, since the flu shot is by far the most common vaccine in America, most SIRVA cases involve influenza immunizations.

So, when is pain after a flu shot normal, and when is it potentially a sign of SIRVA?

Should Pain After a Flu Shot Should Go Away “Within a Few Days”?

According to the CDC, all of the side effects listed above should go away “within a few days.” This includes shoulder pain. The American Lung Association says that, “[s]welling, redness and soreness are common after the flu shot and can last 24-48 hours.” Pain lasting more than a few days may be symptomatic of a form of SIRVA (such as bursitis, adhesive capsulitis or brachial neuritis), and individuals who experience lasting shoulder pain should consult with their physicians.

What if I Have a Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA)?

For individuals who experience lasting shoulder pain and who are diagnosed with a form of SIRVA, financial compensation may be available through the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). The VICP provides no-fault compensation for SIRVA resulting from flu shots and other CDC-recommended vaccinations.

In order to be eligible for compensation under the VICP:

  • Shoulder pain must onset within 48 hours of vaccination;
  • The injury must last more than six months or require surgery; and
  • You must file your claim within three years of your vaccination.

The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program provides financial compensation for eligible claimants’ medical expenses, loss of income, and pain and suffering. Parents may also file VICP claims on behalf of their children. In all cases, a medical diagnosis is necessary, and claimants will need to have evidence of their losses (or “damages”) in order to obtain relief in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims (also known as the “Vaccine Court”).

Discuss Your SIRVA Claim with Vaccine Lawyer Leah V. Durant

If you have questions about seeking financial relief for SIRVA resulting from the annual flu shot, we encourage you to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. To discuss your legal rights with national vaccine lawyer Leah V. Durant, please call 202-800-1711 or tell us how we can reach you 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.