How long does pain last after vaccination?
Pain after a vaccination usually lasts only for a few days. In most people it subsides after three days at the latest. In a few cases, the pain can last for a longer period of time, but a significant improvement in symptoms should be noticeable after a few days.
When can I do sports again if I have pain after the vaccination?
Slight pain around the injection site and in the affected muscle are among the most common side effects after vaccination. In general, heavy physical activity should be avoided on the day of vaccination. Especially if pain has occurred, the person affected should wait until it subsides.
This is usually already the case after one or a few days. Then sporting activities can also be resumed. However, if the pain does not subside after a few days or even worsens, another visit to the doctor is necessary.
Prophylaxis / Avoidance
Pain after a vaccination cannot always be avoided because the symptoms are caused by the immune system‘s reaction to the vaccine and by additives added to the vaccine. However, in order to keep the pain as low as possible, it is recommended to let the arm hang loosely during vaccination and not to tense it. The vaccination itself will then be less painful.
Afterwards, the arm should be moved as little as possible. Sports or other strenuous activities should be avoided on the day of vaccination so that the body has enough time and rest to deal with the vaccine. You can also place an ice pack on the vaccination site after the vaccination.
This can relieve pain and also has a decongestant effect.You should take care that the arm is not cooled down too much. Otherwise it can lead to frostbite. Babies are not vaccinated into the upper arm until the age of 18 months, but into a thigh muscle (Musculus vastus lateralis).
The upper arm muscles are not yet sufficiently developed at this age. Nowadays, buttocks are no longer vaccinated, as the absorption of the vaccine is too uncertain there and the effectiveness of the vaccination is therefore not sufficiently assured. Babies usually cry when they are vaccinated because they do not expect the sting.
In addition, they develop the same vaccination reactions as adults, i.e. the injection site can cause them pain for a few days. Such vaccination reactions exist in an estimated 10% of vaccinated infants. However, the pain should subside after a few days. If the puncture site changes, swells considerably or the baby develops a rash or shortness of breath, a doctor should be consulted.
