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A MyLupusTeam Member asked a question 💭
Yazoo City, MS

I got a pneumonia shot last week at my lupus appointment. I start noticing a red spot where the shot site is .my whole arm is red its also swollen spot and itchy .I talk to my rheumatologist nurse and she said its not a allergic reaction to the shot.but I didnt start noticing this until the shot .

March 12
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A MyLupusTeam Member

Thank you for your question as I know my PCP will be wanting to give me the pneumonia shot. I had an itchy reaction to the COVID vaccine years ago too. So, I am not really thrilled about the vaccines. I did the Flu shot this year and I did fine. I have Mixed Connective Tissue Disease that hit my lungs. So, I think I will get the pneumonia vaccine if they recommend it. Thanks for your question.

March 12
MyLupusTeam

Why is your arm red, swollen, and itchy after your pneumonia shot?

It sounds like you're experiencing a localized injection site reaction, which can happen with vaccines and injectable medications. Even though your nurse said it's not an allergic reaction, injection sites can still cause warmth, redness, swelling, and Show Full Answer

Why is your arm red, swollen, and itchy after your pneumonia shot?

It sounds like you're experiencing a localized injection site reaction, which can happen with vaccines and injectable medications. Even though your nurse said it's not an allergic reaction, injection sites can still cause warmth, redness, swelling, and soreness on the side of the body where the medication was given.

These reactions are typically your immune system responding to the injection. The redness and swelling you're seeing could be inflammation at the injection site, which is fairly common.

Here's what may help:

* Apply a warm compress to increase blood flow and reduce swelling
* Gently massage around the area (not directly on it)
* Use over-the-counter pain relief if it's sore
* Keep your arm moving with gentle exercise to boost circulation
* Avoid scratching the itchy area

Most injection site reactions resolve within a few days to two weeks. However, you should contact your doctor right away if:

* The redness spreads significantly or gets worse
* The area becomes hot to the touch
* Pain increases rather than improves
* You develop a fever
* Symptoms last longer than two weeks

Since you have lupus, your immune system may respond differently to vaccines, which could explain why the reaction seems more noticeable to you.

March 12
A MyLupusTeam Member

I had 4 shots this fall i had 2 shots one week & two the following week trying to remember what two i had when the first two shots was fine i think it was flu & covid the following week i had the tetanus & pneumonia But that one made me feel miserable i had more issues. But because i had no problem the first week when they were both on the same arm i didnr expect any the following week & the following week he did both arms , but i didnr know which arm was which shot didnt know what ome was makjng me feel sp sick i actually ran a fever aftef that one . Theg were having controversy as to weather i was suppose to grf a pneumonia vaccine one pharmasist said no your not okd enough ths other pharmacist the one thats in charge ‘ knows me he said yes your suppose to have ill do thaf today also . Years aho i had a pneumonia vaccine but since then ive has pneumonia several times & almost died each time, i dont have much faith in them but but maybe this is different. I sure hope so . Ive been lucky sincr i moved in here & i haven't gotten pneumonia . . I was afraid id get pneumonia this year & im aftaid i wouldn't make it. So far so good . I think prevnar 13 wasnt any good & that whst i had yesrs ago.

March 16
A MyLupusTeam Member

I got that shot and it knocked me on my butt. I was so tired more than I usually am.

March 13
A MyLupusTeam Member

I had a similar reaction to the shingles shot, but it was short lived. I'm still glad I had it. If it gets worse or lasts longer than expected or is worse, i would say call the nurse again. Hope you feel better soon.

March 13

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