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What Causes Severe Pain In Upper Arm After A Pneumonia Shot?

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Posted on Tue, 5 Apr 2016
Question: I had a pneumonia shot in my upper arm on Tuesday afternoon. It was really sore Wednesday and then yesterday @ noon it started aching and hasn't stopped hurting since. I called pharmacist that gave the injection and he said as long as it's not red or oozing that it's ok. It's not red, can't even see it, but it hurts pretty bad. As long as I put heating pad on it and do nothing it's ok, but as soon as I do anything at all it hurts again. Is this ok? Should I be using ice instead of heat?
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Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (29 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Muscle pain

Detailed Answer:
Thank for contacting HCM with your health care concerns

I am sorry to hear that you are having so much pain after receiving the pneumonia vaccine. This is because they need to inject the serum into the muscle and it can hurt. You may have more of a reaction locally to the injection. As long as there is no redness or puss coming from the site we do not worry. I think continuing to use the heating pad is good as this brings into your arm more blood flow and help heal from the injection. I might suggest taking an NSAID like motrin to help reduce the pain. It should be better by Monday.

I would not recommend getting a booster when it becomes due as you may have an even worse reaction to the injection.

I hope I answered your question. Please contact us again if you have any additional questions.
Note: For further information on diet changes to reduce allergy symptoms or to boost your immunity, Ask here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Ronald Schubert

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1984

Answered : 2407 Questions

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What Causes Severe Pain In Upper Arm After A Pneumonia Shot?

Brief Answer: Muscle pain Detailed Answer: Thank for contacting HCM with your health care concerns I am sorry to hear that you are having so much pain after receiving the pneumonia vaccine. This is because they need to inject the serum into the muscle and it can hurt. You may have more of a reaction locally to the injection. As long as there is no redness or puss coming from the site we do not worry. I think continuing to use the heating pad is good as this brings into your arm more blood flow and help heal from the injection. I might suggest taking an NSAID like motrin to help reduce the pain. It should be better by Monday. I would not recommend getting a booster when it becomes due as you may have an even worse reaction to the injection. I hope I answered your question. Please contact us again if you have any additional questions.