Tag: SIRVA

CAN A SHOT ADMINISTERED AT THE WRONG ANGLE CAUSE A SHOULDER INJURY?

SIRVA (Shoulder Injury Related To Vaccine Administration) is a term used to describe a range of shoulder injuries that result from the improper administration of vaccines. While vaccinations are generally safe and well-tolerated, the way a shot is given can impact the surrounding tissues, leading to pain and limited shoulder mobility. The anatomy of the… Read more »

Recommendations for Landmarking to Prevent SIRVA

As previously discussed in other posts, shoulder injuries related to vaccine administration (“SIRVA”) often occur as a result of improper administration techniques on the part of the person giving the flu shot, TDaP (tetanus booster), or other vaccination. Sometimes this comes in the form of administering the shot with an improper size needle, but more… Read more »

What is SIRVA?

Vaccines are one of the most effective ways to prevent infectious diseases and protect public health. However, like any medical intervention, vaccines can sometimes cause adverse reactions or injuries. One of the rare but serious types of vaccine-related injuries is called Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA). SIRVA is a condition that occurs when… Read more »

At What Angle Should a Flu Shot or TDAP Vaccination be Given

As you may know, shoulder injuries can occur as a result of receiving a flu shot, Tdap, or other vaccination.  Typically, these injuries are caused when the person or provider giving the shot administers it in an improper location on the arm, typically too high on the shoulder.  However, in some instances, the administration of… Read more »

DO SOME SHOTS HURT WORSE THAN OTHERS

If you’ve gotten a flu shot, Tdap, or other vaccination recently, you may notice that some feel like they hurt worse than others.  It turns out the reason for that can be multifactorial.  The length, gauge, and dullness of the needle can have an effect on the painfulness of the shot.  So too can the… Read more »

CAN USING THE WRONG SIZE NEEDLE FOR A FLU SHOT OR TDAP VACCINATION CAUSE A SHOULDER INJURY

As detailed in prior entries, shoulder injuries can occur as a result of receiving a flu shot, Tdap, or other vaccination.  Typically, these injuries are caused from improper needle placement by the person or provider administering the shot.  However, in rare instances, the use of an improper gauge or length needle can also cause injury… Read more »

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM A SHOULDER INJURY WHEN GETTING A FLU SHOT OR OTHER VACCINATION

As detailed in prior entries, shoulder injuries can occur after the administration of a flu shot or other vaccination.  Typically, these injuries are caused from poor needle placement by the person administering the vaccine, use of an improper gauge or size needle, or a localized reaction to the vaccine serum itself. The Advisory Committee on… Read more »

HOW TO TELL BETWEEN NORMAL SHOULDER PAIN AFTER VACCINATION AND SIRVA

As we’ve detailed previously, shoulder injuries related to vaccine administration (otherwise known as “SIRVA”) are the most common injuries resulting from flu shots and other vaccines. SIRVA can happen when a vaccine is injected into the capsule of your shoulder joint instead of your deltoid muscle. It can also occur if the needle being used… Read more »

Update on Proposed SIRVA Rule Changes

As you may have read previously, on July 20, 2020, the Department of Health and Human Services published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking proposing to amend the Vaccine Injury Table by removing Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (“SIRVA”), vasovagal syncope, and the new vaccines category, Item XVII. This proposed Rule change would have had… Read more »