[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/12\/arm-pain-after-vaccinations\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/12\/arm-pain-after-vaccinations\/","headline":"Ouch! Why Does My Arm Hurt After a Shot?","name":"Ouch! Why Does My Arm Hurt After a Shot?","description":"Some soreness after receiving a vaccination is normal. Learn why you're experiencing pain after a shot and when it's time to seek medical care. ","datePublished":"2016-12-16","dateModified":"2024-04-08","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/","name":"UPMC","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/upmc\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/12162016BLG_OUCHMYARMHURTS-1.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/12162016BLG_OUCHMYARMHURTS-1.jpg","height":325,"width":751},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/12\/arm-pain-after-vaccinations\/","about":["Family Health","Living and Wellness"],"wordCount":356,"keywords":["arm pain","injection site","pain","soreness","tetanus","treating pain at home","vaccinations"],"articleBody":"If you have ever received a vaccination, you know your arm may feel a bit sore for a few days after the shot.The pain you are experiencing is usually soreness of the muscle where the injection was given. This pain also is a sign that your immune system is making antibodies in response to the viruses in the vaccine.Pain After a Shot: Normal Site Reactions to VaccinesAccording 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 — such as the diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough (DTaP) — cause a greater local reaction and more of the “pain” you experience after the shot.Can You Reduce Pain or Swelling After Vaccines?If your arm hurts after a vaccine, there are some actions you can take: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 the 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.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.Editor's Note: This article was originally published on December 16, 2016, and was last reviewed on April 8, 2024."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2016","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"12","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/\/12\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Ouch! Why Does My Arm Hurt After a Shot?","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/12\/arm-pain-after-vaccinations\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]