Neck pain after flu shot. Nerve Damage from Flu Shot: 4 Types, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

12.04.202126.07.2023 by alexxlab

What are the types of nerve damage caused by flu shots. How do these conditions affect patients. What are the symptoms and treatment options for vaccine-related nerve injuries. How long does recovery typically take for each condition.

Содержание

Understanding Flu Shot-Related Nerve Injuries

While flu vaccinations are generally safe, they can occasionally lead to nerve damage. These rare but serious complications can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. This article explores four types of nerve damage associated with flu shots, their symptoms, and treatment options.

Brachial Neuritis: A Painful Arm Condition

Brachial neuritis, also known as Parsonage-Turner Syndrome (PTS), primarily affects the nerves in the arm and hand. This condition typically impacts one side of the body, though rare bilateral cases exist.

Symptoms and Progression of Brachial Neuritis

The progression of brachial neuritis differs from other vaccine-related neurological conditions:

Severe shoulder pain initially
Weakness develops and extends down the arm and into the hand
Numbness and tingling sensations in the affected arm
Difficulty moving the arm
In extreme cases, paralysis of the affected arm

Treatment and Recovery for Brachial Neuritis

Can patients recover from brachial neuritis? Most individuals recover within 6 to 12 months, but some may experience long-term nerve damage and chronic pain. Treatment options include:

Pain management techniques
Physical therapy to stretch and strengthen muscles
Steroid treatments
Surgery in severe cases to relieve nerve pressure

Recovery time varies, ranging from several months to several years. A combination of steroids and physical therapy is often prescribed, with surgery considered if conservative treatments prove ineffective.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome: A Rare but Serious Complication

Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is a rare but potentially severe complication associated with flu vaccination. This condition occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the nervous system while fighting off an infection.

Understanding the Link Between Flu Shots and GBS

Why does the flu vaccine increase the risk of GBS? While the exact mechanism is not fully understood, it’s believed that introducing strains of infection into the body through vaccination may trigger an autoimmune response in some individuals. The incidence of GBS varies annually, depending on the specific composition of that year’s flu vaccine.

Symptoms and Severity of GBS

GBS can manifest with varying degrees of severity:

Loss of feeling and movement in extremities
Diminished reflexes
Incontinence in some cases
Respiratory function impairment in severe cases, potentially leading to death

Recovery and Treatment for GBS

How long does it take to recover from GBS? Recovery times vary significantly among patients. Some may never fully recover, while others can achieve substantial improvement with physical therapy. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and supporting the patient’s recovery process.

Shoulder Nerve Damage: When Injection Goes Wrong

Improper injection technique can lead to damage in the shoulder’s nerves, including the axillary, radial, ulnar, and median nerves.

Symptoms of Shoulder Nerve Damage

Patients with shoulder nerve damage may experience:

Tingling sensations in the shoulder
Weakness in the affected area
Loss of motion in the shoulder
Pain and discomfort

Treating Shoulder Nerve Injuries

Treatment for shoulder nerve damage typically involves:

Physical therapy to restore range of motion
Pain management techniques
In some cases, surgical intervention

Transverse Myelitis: Inflammation of the Spinal Cord

Transverse myelitis (TM) is a rare neurological condition resulting in inflammation of the spinal cord. While uncommon, it has been linked to flu vaccinations in some cases.

Recognizing Symptoms of Transverse Myelitis

What are the signs of transverse myelitis? Common symptoms include:

Weakness in the arms or legs
Sensory alterations
Pain or discomfort
Bladder and bowel dysfunction

Diagnosis and Treatment of TM

Diagnosing TM typically involves:

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the spinal cord
Lumbar puncture to analyze cerebrospinal fluid
Blood tests to rule out other conditions

Treatment for TM may include:

High-dose corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
Plasma exchange therapy
Antiviral medications if a viral cause is suspected
Rehabilitative therapy to improve function and prevent complications

Prevention and Risk Assessment for Flu Shot-Related Nerve Damage

While the risk of nerve damage from flu shots is low, individuals should be aware of potential complications. To minimize risks:

Ensure vaccinations are administered by trained healthcare professionals
Discuss any pre-existing conditions or concerns with your doctor
Be aware of proper injection techniques and locations
Monitor for any unusual symptoms following vaccination

Legal Implications and Compensation for Vaccine Injuries

In cases where individuals experience severe complications from flu vaccinations, legal recourse may be available. The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) provides a mechanism for individuals to seek compensation for vaccine-related injuries.

Filing a Claim with the VICP

How does one file a claim for vaccine-related nerve damage? The process typically involves:

Gathering medical records and documentation of the injury
Filing a petition with the U.S. Court of Federal Claims
Presenting the case before a special master
Negotiating compensation if the claim is deemed valid

It’s important to note that there are time limitations for filing claims, and the process can be complex. Seeking the assistance of an experienced vaccine injury attorney is often advisable.

Advancements in Vaccine Safety and Research

Ongoing research aims to improve vaccine safety and reduce the risk of complications. Some areas of focus include:

Development of alternative vaccine delivery methods
Improved adjuvants to enhance immune response with lower doses
Better understanding of individual genetic factors that may predispose to adverse reactions
Enhanced surveillance systems to detect and respond to vaccine-related complications

The Future of Flu Vaccines

What developments can we expect in flu vaccine technology? Researchers are exploring several promising avenues:

Universal flu vaccines that provide protection against multiple strains
mRNA-based flu vaccines for more rapid production and adaptation
Needle-free delivery systems to reduce injection-related complications
Personalized vaccines tailored to individual immune profiles

These advancements hold the potential to further reduce the already low risk of complications while improving overall vaccine efficacy.

The Importance of Vaccination Despite Rare Risks

While the potential for nerve damage from flu shots exists, it’s crucial to contextualize these risks within the broader public health landscape. Flu vaccinations prevent millions of illnesses and thousands of deaths annually, far outweighing the rare instances of severe complications.

Balancing Individual and Public Health Concerns

How do we reconcile the rare risks of vaccination with its substantial benefits? Consider the following points:

The vast majority of individuals receive flu shots without any serious side effects
Flu-related complications can be severe, especially for vulnerable populations
Widespread vaccination contributes to herd immunity, protecting those who cannot be vaccinated
Ongoing research and surveillance continue to improve vaccine safety

By staying informed about both the benefits and potential risks of flu vaccination, individuals can make educated decisions about their health while contributing to broader public health efforts.

Recognizing and Responding to Post-Vaccination Symptoms

While serious complications from flu shots are rare, it’s important to be aware of potential warning signs. Prompt recognition and response to unusual symptoms can lead to better outcomes in the event of an adverse reaction.

Common vs. Concerning Symptoms

How can one distinguish between normal post-vaccination effects and potential nerve damage? Here’s a general guide:

Normal reactions (usually resolve within a few days):

Mild pain or soreness at the injection site
Low-grade fever
Mild fatigue or body aches

Potentially concerning symptoms (warrant medical attention):

Severe or persistent pain extending beyond the injection site
Weakness or numbness in the affected limb
Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Rapid heart rate or dizziness
Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)

Seeking Medical Care

When should you consult a healthcare provider after receiving a flu shot? It’s advisable to seek medical attention if:

Symptoms are severe or persist beyond a few days
You experience any of the concerning symptoms listed above
You have pre-existing conditions that may increase your risk of complications
You’re unsure whether your symptoms are normal or cause for concern

Remember, early intervention can often lead to better outcomes in the rare event of vaccine-related complications.

The Role of Healthcare Providers in Vaccine Safety

Healthcare providers play a crucial role in ensuring the safe administration of flu vaccines and managing potential complications. Their responsibilities extend beyond simply giving shots to encompass patient education, risk assessment, and ongoing monitoring.

Best Practices for Vaccine Administration

What steps can healthcare providers take to minimize the risk of nerve damage from flu shots? Key practices include:

Thorough patient screening for contraindications and potential risk factors
Proper injection technique, including correct needle size and injection site
Clear communication about potential side effects and when to seek further care
Accurate record-keeping to facilitate follow-up and adverse event reporting

Ongoing Education and Training

Healthcare providers should engage in continuous education to stay updated on:

Latest vaccine formulations and recommendations
Emerging research on vaccine safety and efficacy
Improved techniques for vaccine administration
Recognition and management of potential adverse events

By maintaining high standards of care and staying informed, healthcare providers can significantly contribute to the overall safety and effectiveness of flu vaccination programs.

The Global Impact of Flu Vaccination Programs

While individual cases of nerve damage from flu shots are concerning, it’s essential to consider the broader impact of flu vaccination programs on global public health. These programs have played a crucial role in reducing the burden of influenza worldwide.

Measurable Benefits of Flu Vaccination

What positive outcomes have resulted from widespread flu vaccination? Some key benefits include:

Reduced hospitalizations and deaths, particularly among high-risk groups
Decreased economic burden due to fewer lost work and school days
Protection for vulnerable populations through herd immunity
Mitigation of seasonal flu epidemics and potential pandemics

Challenges and Opportunities in Global Vaccination Efforts

Despite the success of flu vaccination programs, challenges remain:

Ensuring equitable access to vaccines in low- and middle-income countries
Addressing vaccine hesitancy and misinformation
Adapting to rapidly evolving influenza strains
Balancing resources between seasonal flu prevention and pandemic preparedness

Ongoing collaborative efforts between governments, healthcare organizations, and researchers aim to address these challenges and further improve the global impact of flu vaccination programs.

4 Types of Nerve Damage Caused by the Flu Shot

While most flu vaccinations do not result in any damage to the patient, the vaccine is not without risk.

By far the most common flu shot-related injury is shoulder damage related to the actual injection. This can cause shoulder and neck pain after flu shot. This type of vaccine injury is called SIRVA or Shoulder Injury as a Result of Vaccine Administration. However, the flu shot can cause serious nerve injuries causing paralysis or death.

The most common type of nerve damage from the flu shot is Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). GBS is a rare but serious condition in which the body’s immune system attacks the nervous system, causing weakness and paralysis. Other types of vaccine injury-related nerve damage linked to the flu shot include transverse myelitis (TM) and impact-related nerve damage. TM is a rare neurological condition that results in inflammation of the spinal cord. Impact-related nerve damage causes loss of sensation and pain.

Other complications may result in an injury that affects the nervous system. Patients may be able to recover from these nerve injuries after a regimen of physical therapy. In the interim, however, nerve damage from flu vaccinations can drastically impact the patient’s quality of life and ability to complete their daily activities.

Here is a list of 4 potential types of nerve damage that can result from the flu vaccine:

Brachial Neuritis
Guillain-Barre Syndrome
Shoulder Nerve Damage
Transverse Myelitis

Brachial Neuritis or Parsonage-Turner Syndrome

This illness primarily affects the nerves in the arm and hand. It will generally impact one side of the body, although in rare cases, it can impact both sides. Brachial neuritis is caused when there is damage to the nerves that carry messages from the spinal cord to the arms and hands.

The progression of brachial neuritis is the opposite of other neurological conditions that result from vaccinations. Here, patients will start with severe shoulder pain, which is then followed by weakness. The weakness then extends down the arm and into the hand. The arm will feel numb and tingly, and the patient may have difficulty moving it. In extreme cases, brachial neuritis can lead to paralysis of the affected arm.

Patients with brachial neuritis generally recover within 6 to 12 months. However, some patients may experience long-term nerve damage, which can cause chronic pain. Treatment for brachial neuritis focuses on managing the pain and helping the patient regain function in the affected arm. Physical therapy is often recommended to help stretch and strengthen the muscles in the arm. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to relieve pressure on the nerves.

While PTS can be treated, the symptoms will generally linger. It takes several months to several years for patients to make a recovery from PTS. Generally, the treatment for PTS will involve some sort of combination of steroids and physical therapy. If these are not effective, then surgery may be necessary.

Learn more about Brachial Neuritis
Return to the Top

Guillain-Barre Syndrome

Guillain Barre Syndrome is a rare but serious complication of flu vaccination. This illness usually occurs in the wake of an infection in the body. The immune system will work to fight off the infection. However, in the process, the immune system will also turn against the nervous system and damage the body’s nerves. There is no single theory as to why the flu vaccine can increase the risk for GBS, but the vaccination does introduce strains of infection into the body.

GBS varies in its severity. The disease can lead to a loss of feeling and movement in extremities. Since the nervous system is at issue, there can also be a loss of reflexes, and some patients report incontinence. In a more severe manifestation of GBS, the patient’s respiratory function may be affected, which can lead to death.

There have been several documented fatalities from GBS in patients who have received a flu vaccination. Rates of GBS will vary each year, depending on the content of that year’s flu vaccine. While the connection between receiving a flu vaccine and developing GBS is not certain, there is at least some interrelation between the two. Some who suffer from GBS may never fully recover, while others can mostly recover with physical therapy.

Learn more about Guillain-Barre Syndrome
Return to the Top

Shoulder Nerve Damage and Impact Related Nerve Damage

Can a shot hit a nerve? Flu shots can cause damage to the axillary, radial, ulnar, and median nerves.

Sometimes, an error in the method of injection can damage the nerves in the shoulder. Like SIRVA, when the injection is given to the wrong part of the shoulder, it can have adverse effects that result in a loss of motion in the shoulder. Patients will feel a tingling and weakness in the shoulder that will progress to sharp pain.

This type of nerve damage will also result from the injection being administered too high on the shoulder. In one case of axillary nerve damage, a man received a vaccination at a drive-through clinic. Within days, he began to experience weakness in his shoulder that degenerated over time. After five weeks, it was discovered that his deltoid muscle had atrophied.

Patients will generally require physical therapy to regain the full use of their shoulders. Patients who do not respond to physical therapy may need surgery to correct the problem. Many patients will regain most or all of the use of their shoulder, although some may have permanent symptoms.

What is axillary nerve damage?

The axillary nerve is a nerve that runs through the shoulder. It controls the muscles in the shoulder and allows for sensation in the upper arm. Axillary nerve damage can occur as a result of an injury or surgery to the shoulder, or it can be caused by compression or inflammation of the nerve. Symptoms of axillary nerve damage include weakness in the muscles controlled by the nerve, loss of sensation in the upper arm, and pain in the shoulder.

What is radial nerve damage?

The radial nerve is a nerve that runs down the arm. It controls the muscles in the hand and allows for sensation in the fingers. Radial nerve damage can occur as a result of an injury or surgery to the arm, or it can be caused by compression or inflammation of the nerve. Symptoms of radial nerve damage include weakness in the muscles controlled by the nerve, loss of sensation in the fingers, and pain in the arm.

What is ulnar nerve damage?

The ulnar nerve is a nerve that runs down the arm. It controls the muscles in the hand and allows for sensation in the fingers. Ulnar nerve damage can occur as a result of an injury or surgery to the arm, or it can be caused by compression or inflammation of the nerve. Symptoms of ulnar nerve damage include weakness in the muscles controlled by the nerve, loss of sensation in the fingers, and pain in the arm.

What is median nerve damage?

The median nerve is a nerve that runs down the arm. It controls the muscles in the hand and allows for sensation in the fingers. Median nerve damage can occur as a result of an injury or surgery to the arm, or it can be caused by compression or inflammation of the nerve. Symptoms of median nerve damage include weakness in the muscles controlled by the nerve, loss of sensation in the fingers, and pain in the arm.

Read more about Shoulder Injuries After Vaccination
Return to the Top

Transverse Myelitis

This is a serious side effect of a flu vaccination where part of the spinal cord becomes inflamed causing severe pain and disability.

The inflammation of the spinal cord damages the nerve cell’s insulation called myelin, interrupting the ability of the spinal cord to send messages throughout the body. As with anything that impacts the spine, there is the possibility of lasting damage, including the loss of the use of hands, arms, legs, and/or feet.

The symptoms of transverse myelitis can come on suddenly after the influenza vaccine or develop over a few days after the vaccine. Symptoms may include:

• Back pain or stiffness
• Numbness or weakness in the legs
• Loss of bowel or bladder control
• Difficulty walking or moving the legs
• Sexual dysfunction
• Pain in the trunk or back

Most often, transverse myelitis will impact the legs or feet. In a more severe case of transverse myelitis, the patient will experience a complete loss of the use of arms and legs or complete paralysis.

There will also be neuropathic pain, abnormal sensations, and possible incontinence. In the most severe cases, the patient will need emergency surgery when they experience compression of the spinal cord.

While transverse myelitis is a rare vaccine injury, there are roughly one to two cases for every million vaccinations. Given the number of flu vaccinations in the United States every year, there may be several hundred additional cases of transverse myelitis that result from this vaccination.

Learn more about Transverse Myelitis
Return to the Top

When you have experienced any one of these complications as a result of flu vaccination, you must consult with an attorney to find out if you may be eligible for compensation. The attorneys at Sadaka Law are well versed in these cases and can advise you on the specifics of the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. Our attorneys can guide you through the process of filing a claim for your injuries.

What is the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program?

The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program is a no-fault program that was created to provide compensation to those who have been injured by a vaccine. The program is administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and is funded by a tax on vaccines. The program covers injuries caused by vaccines that are recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for routine administration to children, adolescents, and adults.

Learn more about VICP program

Do flu shots hurt?

The most common side effect of the flu shot is an injection site reaction, soreness, or redness at the injection site. Some people may also experience a low-grade fever, headache, or muscle aches. You may want to ask your doctor or nurse if you can have it done in your non-dominant arm. That way, if you do feel any discomfort, it will be in the arm that is less used for everyday activities.

How are flu shots administered?

Flu shots are usually given as an injection (shot) in the upper arm into the muscle or intramuscular injection. They can also be given as a jet injector, which is a needle-free device that uses high pressure to push the vaccine through your skin into the muscle.

Can vaccines cause other nerve injuries?

YES. Vaccines can cause Bell’s palsy and other nerve injuries.

Guillain-Barré syndrome and Flu Vaccine

Español | Other Languages

What is Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS)?
What causes GBS?
Who is at risk for developing GBS?
How common is GBS? How common is it among people who have been vaccinated against flu?
How do public health authorities investigate cases of GBS?

What is Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS)?

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare disorder in which a person’s own immune system damages their nerve cells, causing muscle weakness and sometimes paralysis. GBS can cause symptoms that usually last for a few weeks. Most people recover fully from GBS, but some people have long-term nerve damage. In very rare cases, people have died of GBS, usually from difficulty breathing. In the United States, an estimated 3,000 to 6,000 people develop GBS each year.

What causes GBS?

The exact cause of GBS is unknown, but about two-thirds of people who develop GBS experience symptoms several days or weeks after they have been sick with diarrhea or a respiratory illness. Infection with the bacterium Campylobacter jejuni is one of the most common risk factors for GBS. People also can develop GBS after having the flu or other infections (such as cytomegalovirus and Epstein Barr virus). On very rare occasions, they may develop GBS in the days or weeks after getting a vaccination.

Who is at risk for developing GBS?

Anyone can develop GBS; however, it is more common among older adults. The incidence of GBS increases with age, and people older than 50 years are at greatest risk for developing GBS.

Top of Page

How common is GBS? How common is it among people who have been vaccinated against flu?

The background rate for GBS in the Unites States is about 80 to 160 cases of GBS each week, regardless of vaccination. The data on the association between GBS and seasonal flu vaccination are variable and inconsistent across flu seasons. If there is an increased risk of GBS following flu vaccination it is small, on the order of one to two additional GBS cases per million doses of flu vaccine administered.

How do public health authorities investigate cases of GBS?

CDC and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) closely monitor the safety of vaccines approved for use in the United States. CDC uses two primary systems to monitor the safety of flu vaccines:

Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS): an early warning system that helps CDC and FDA monitor problems following vaccination. Anyone can report possible vaccine side effects to VAERS. Reports are welcome from all concerned individuals: for example, patients, parents, health care providers, pharmacists and vaccine manufacturers. Generally, VAERS reports cannot determine if an adverse event was caused by a vaccine, but these reports can help determine if further investigations are needed.

Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD): A collaboration between CDC and eight integrated health care organizations which conducts ongoing vaccine safety monitoring and research.

Learn more about vaccine safety monitoring at Vaccine Safety Monitoring at CDC.

Top of Page

FluVaxView
Communications Resource Center
International Work
Outbreak Investigations

To receive weekly email updates about Seasonal Flu, enter your email address:

Email Address

Seasonal
Pandemic
Avian
Swine
Influenza in Animals

The doctor warned about dangerous symptoms after a flu shot – Gazeta.

September 10, 2020, 15:37
Society

100%

Chief specialist of the First Moscow State Medical University. I. M. Sechenov, Doctor of Medical Sciences Vladislav Zhemchugov spoke about the dangerous symptoms after a flu shot, writes “Ridus” .

The expert noted that the symptoms were mild or severe. The former include a slight increase in body temperature, redness at the injection site and general malaise, while the latter include high temperature, suppuration at the injection site, pulsation and swelling.

Zhemchugov added that there is no need to worry about mild symptoms, but for serious ones, you need to contact Rospotrebnadzor and the hospital, in extreme cases, call an ambulance.

COVID-19 Vaccine Side Effects: Why They Happen and How to Manage Them

Mini Kamboj, Chief Epidemiologist at MSK, receives the vaccine.

After the injection, side effects may occur, which is typical for any vaccine. The good news is that COVID-19 vaccineshave similar side effects, which are usually mild and do not last long – about 1-3 days.

The most common side effects include arm pain, weakness (feeling tired), headache, aches and fever. Serious side effects are very rare and can be treated.

It’s hard to predict. Side effects are more likely to occur and may be more noticeable after a second dose of Pfizer-BioNTech (Comirnaty®) or Moderna (Spikevax™) COVID-19 vaccine.

If you experience side effects, that’s a good sign. They indicate that the vaccine is working and triggering the immune system.

After vaccination, your immune system recognizes something foreign. The immune system automatically launches a mild attack against it. This process teaches your immune cells to recognize and respond to invaders. That’s why you may experience side effects. Let’s put it this way: the body’s reaction to the vaccine is like training before a real fight.

If you were to become infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 after a full vaccination, your immune system would be ready for an even larger and more powerful attack to protect you.

Just because you don’t have side effects doesn’t mean the vaccine didn’t work. In clinical trials of the vaccine, more than half of the participants did not experience any side effects, but we are confident that the vaccine works effectively in these people too.

If you experience pain or discomfort after vaccination, ask your doctor if you can take over-the-counter drugs such as ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol).

Ways to relieve pain and discomfort in the hand:

Cover the affected area with a cool, clean, damp cloth.
Warm up your arm or do some exercise with that arm.

In most cases, discomfort from heat or pain is normal. Contact your doctor in the following cases:

If redness and pain at the injection site worsens after 24 hours.
If the side effects bother you a lot or don’t go away after a few days.

You should wait for the vaccination and then monitor how you feel. If side effects occur, over-the-counter medications (such as Advil or Tylenol) can be taken to lower fever, reduce chills, or relieve headaches or body aches. It is extremely important that you do not take these drugs before getting vaccinated, as there are theoretical concerns that some pain medications may interfere with the immune response to the vaccine. It is also not clear whether taking medications beforehand actually helps reduce symptoms after vaccination.

Several very rare cases of serious side effects have been identified and investigated, but scientists have concluded that the risk of developing serious complications due to COVID-19 is much higher than the risk of these side effects. Below is evidence of this careful and ongoing study.

In mid-July 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that approximately 100 of the 13 million Americans who received the J&J vaccine developed Guillain-Barré syndrome. Guillain-Barré syndrome is a rare neurological disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks nerve cells. More information can be found here »
At the end of June 2021, the CDC reported that more than 1,200 Americans had heart muscle damage, possibly related to the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines. Heart problems were very rare – for every million second doses of the vaccine given, there were 12.6 cases of heart muscle damage. More information can be found here »
The CDC and FDA say that as of the end of November 2021, there were 54 cases diagnosed with a bleeding disorder called thrombocytopenia following the J&J vaccine (among 16.4 million doses). On Dec. 16, CDC experts recommended that Americans get Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna instead of the J&J vaccine. More information can be found here »

Some patients may experience some enlargement or tenderness of the lymph nodes after administration of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines. In addition, swollen lymph nodes can be detected on medical imaging and mistaken for the progression of some types of cancer—primarily breast cancer, head and neck cancer, melanoma, and lymphoma.

This side effect of the vaccine is more common after the second dose. It usually occurs within 2-4 days after vaccination and can last an average of 10 days.

On imaging, lymph node enlargement may be detected for a longer time. Therefore, our recommendations would be:

If you experience these symptoms after vaccination, you should contact your doctor. In most cases, it is recommended to wait at least four weeks before undergoing an additional test, during which time the lymph nodes have decreased to normal sizes.
Vaccination against COVID-19 should be given after routine medical imaging. If you have already been vaccinated, we recommend that you have routine breast exams, including mammograms and MRIs, no earlier than six weeks later.
If you have had cancer, you should be asked to administer the COVID-19 vaccine, if possible, on the opposite side that was not affected by the cancer.
If enlarged knots cause you discomfort, you can apply a warm compress. Acetaminophen or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be taken to relieve discomfort.

It is important to know that all types of vaccines can cause temporary enlargement of the lymph nodes. This may indicate that antibodies are being produced in the body, as it should be.

Antibody testing to test for immunity to COVID-19 following Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna vaccination is not recommended at this time. The COVID-19 antibody test used at MSK detects an immune response after infection with COVID-19. It does not analyze the immunity created after vaccination. This is why evaluation of vaccine response should not be scheduled routinely.

Vaccines against COVID-19 are among the most effective in human history. They are just as effective, if not more effective, than the polio, chicken pox, measles, and flu vaccines.

The risk of getting sick after vaccination is minimal. Studies show that even if you get COVID-19 after receiving a vaccine, the disease is likely not to become severe.