Flu Shot SIde Effects

[debbie1112]

I received a flu shot a couple of days ago at work. The day after, I started having pain in my armpit along with some swelling. Is this normal? I still have the pain and it's been 3 days now. This is occurring on my left side where I received the shot. The shot area itself is back to normal, just a little tender.

[HannahMonica]

I'm sorry, I believe I posted the vaccine information sheet for the H1N1 flu shot. Here is the 2009-2010 seasonal flu VIS ---> http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/vis-statements/flu.html

[HannahMonica]

Here is a link to the vaccine information sheet for the 2009-2010 seasonl influenza vaccine---> http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/vis-statements/flu.html

In general, the side effects are as follows:

Mild problems: • soreness, redness, tenderness, or swelling where the shot was given • fainting (mainly adolescents) • headache, muscle aches • fever • nausea If these problems occur, they usually begin soon after the shot and last 1-2 days.

Severe problems: • Life-threatening allergic reactions to vaccines are very rare. If they do occur, it is usually within a few minutes to a few hours after the shot.

If the reaction is severe:
What should I look for? Any unusual condition, such as a high fever or behavior changes. Signs of a severe allergic reaction can include difficulty breathing, hoarseness or wheezing, hives, paleness, weakness, a fast heart beat or dizziness.
What should I do? • Call a doctor, or get the person to a doctor right away. • Tell the doctor what happened, the date and time it happened, and when the vaccination was given. • Ask your provider to report the reaction by filing a Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) form. Or you can file this report through the VAERS website at http://www.vaers.hhs.gov, or by calling 1-800-822-7967.