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Ouch! Why Does My Arm Hurt After a Shot?

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Medically Reviewed by UPMC

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If you have ever received a vaccination, you know your arm may feel a bit sore for a few days after the fact.

The pain you are experiencing is usually soreness of the muscle where the injection was given. This pain is also a sign that your immune system is making antibodies in response to the viruses in the vaccine.

RELATED: The First Year: Downloadable Vaccination Schedule for Babies

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Pain After a Shot: Normal Site Reactions to Vaccines

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in most cases vaccine side effects are minor and go away within a few days. Side effects vary according to vaccine type, such as flu, shingles, or pneumonia. Generally mild side effects of vaccines may include:

  • Pain, redness, tenderness, or swelling at injection site
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Itching at injection site
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness or fainting (most common in adolescents)

It is likely the combination vaccines, like diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough (DTaP), that cause greater local reaction and the “pain” you experience with the vaccine.

Can You Reduce Pain or Swelling After Vaccines?

  • Make sure to move your arm around after the vaccine. If you try to keep too still, it may hurt more.
  • Take a pain reliever for one or two days after receiving vaccination to help with soreness and swelling.
  • Rotate a warm pack on and off the injection site
  • If you’re concerned about the redness and swelling, outline the area with a marker. If it increases in size or does not decrease after a few days, call your doctor.
flu shot

RELATED: Why Should I Get A Flu Shot?

When Should I Seek Help for Injection-Site Pain?

Any injection site that continues to be problematic after 48 hours should be seen by your doctor immediately. Other symptoms that may warrant medical care:

  • High fever following a vaccination
  • Signs of an allergic reaction, which can include difficulty breathing, hoarseness or wheezing, hives, paleness, weakness, a fast heartbeat, or dizziness.

Concerned about pain, swelling, or soreness after your vaccine? Find a UPMC Urgent Care location near you.

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About UPMC

Headquartered in Pittsburgh, UPMC is a world-renowned health care provider and insurer. We operate 40 hospitals and 800 doctors’ offices and outpatient centers, with locations throughout Pennsylvania, Maryland, New York, West Virginia, and internationally. We employ 4,900 physicians, and we are leaders in clinical care, groundbreaking research, and treatment breakthroughs. U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside as one of the nation’s best hospitals in many specialties and ranks UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh on its Honor Roll of America’s Best Children’s Hospitals. We are dedicated to providing Life Changing Medicine to our communities.