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I have a sore arm for six months after vaccination?
I'm a 64 year old female with no underlying medical conditions and take no medications. I had the first Pfizer vaccine in early May 2021, the second in late May. The first shot was fine, sore arm for approximately 12 hours. The second shot hurt very much. These shots were both given in my left arm. My arm is still sore even six months after vaccination. It does not ache and does not hurt while at rest. But I have limited mobility, especially when rotating my arm backward, what I'm assuming is the deltoid muscle. My first question is: Will my hurt muscle get better? My second question: I'd like to have the booster shot, but I'm unsure which arm to get it in - the left arm which still hurts from the second shot, or my right arm which has received no shots? I'm very concerned that the same thing will happen to my right arm and I'd have limited mobility in both arms. Thank you very much.
2 Answers
Dear Mdm.
A sore arm for six months after a vaccine is unusual, but not unknown. The best way I know of to be rid of such pain is with low-level laser therapy. You should be able to find a provider of such in your area. When getting the booster, I suggest you get the shot in your other arm, and pray that the pain subsides after some hours. If not, the same holds for such pain.
You need to see a doctor about the left arm. The needle may have hit a nerve. Pain for this long and limitation is NOT likely from muscle. Do not get any more injections in the left arm until it is fully evaluated. You may be referred to a neurologist or PMR specialist. Do not see an orthopedic surgeon for this problem. I do advise the booster ASAP in the right arm, given your age. This adverse event is not due to the vaccine, but rather a rare complication of a misdirected needle.
Carl Lauter, MD, MACP, FAAAAI, FIDSA