Flu shot

I needed to know if a health care professional, for instance, a nurse performed an influenza vaccination on a patient incorrectly; what could be the symptoms of an improper vaccination of the flu shot and or complications if done incorrectly. If possible could you email back with any info that you have it would be greatly appreciated. ***@****

Thanks,
K. Mitchell

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Hello - thanks for asking your question.

From the drug information handbook, here are the complications of the flu vaccine.  The flu vaccine is very easy to administer - it is highly unlikely that a trained professional would incorrectly administer it.  Any side effects would likely be from the vaccine itself or the tenderness due to the needle.

1% to 10%: Central nervous system: Fever, malaise
Local: Tenderness, redness, or induration at the site of injection (<33%)

<1%: Guillain-Barre syndrome, fever, urticaria, angioedema, myalgia, asthma, anaphylactoid reactions (most likely to residual egg protein), allergic reactions

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.