Shoulder pain is quite normal after any vaccine. But prolonged shoulder pain isn’t. Shoulder injuries related to vaccine administration (otherwise known as “SIRVA'') is a rare, but possible occurrence when you get a vaccine or booster shot. Shoulder injections should enter the deltoid muscle.
But SIRVA occurs when a healthcare professional administers the vaccine too high, or too deep into your shoulder. When not properly administered, your next booster shot could graze your bone or nerve, or even puncture your bursa (a fluid-filled sac that protects your shoulder tendons).
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Pain from SIRVA can be really difficult to distinguish from the normal pain that occurs after a shot in your arm. But it’s critical you know what to look for. Because if left untreated, SIRVA can cause prolonged problems in your shoulder over time.
Seen folks end up with entirely preventable rotator cuff tears, bursitis, and tendonitis - all because someone didn’t take their complaints of shoulder pain after getting a Covid shot in their arm seriously enough.
Normal shoulder pain after a Covid vaccine or booster shot:
Mild skin sensitivity and localized shoulder pain is quite normal after a Covid vaccine or booster shot. Some people experience what is now known as “Covid arm” - a mild rash and skin sensitivity that can occur anywhere from a few days to even a week after receiving your shot. You’ll experience skin sensitivity and/or swelling that might look similar to cellulitis.
While annoying, Covid arm is not considered dangerous or threatening. The symptoms will typically go away after a week or two and in the meantime, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about over the counter or prescription remedies that can address the symptoms of itchiness or swelling.
Localized shoulder pain at the site of your vaccine or booster shot is also normal. The pain you feel is from the mild trauma caused by the needle being inserted into the soft tissue (muscle) of your arm. It often feels like a bruise, and you may experience a little bit of swelling. It will typically go away after 2-3 days. Even though your arm can be quite sore, the important distinction here is that you’ll still have full, normal function of your arm. In other words, despite the soreness, you can still move your arm freely up and down if you had to without restriction. Your arm soreness will go away with time, but gently massaging the area of pain, and even some easy movement or exercise can help the soreness go away faster.
Abnormal shoulder pain after a Covid vaccine or booster shot:
The symptoms of SIRVA are different, and typically more severe than what I’ve just described above. If not addressed, some of these symptoms could lead to long lasting shoulder problems or compensatory problems elsewhere.
