Getting a vaccine is a routine part of staying healthy, but that doesn’t mean it’s always comfortable. If you've recently received a pneumonia shot, you might be wondering: How much pain is normal?
For most people, mild soreness, redness, or stiffness at the injection site is normal — it’s your body’s immune system doing its job. This type of discomfort typically begins within a few hours of the shot and goes away within a few days.
But sometimes, the pain doesn’t behave like routine post-shot soreness. If the pain starts quickly, lasts longer than a few days, worsens instead of improving, or makes it hard to raise or use your arm, it could be a sign of something more serious than typical injection irritation.
One example of this is Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA) — a rare but recognized condition that can occur when a vaccine is placed too high, too deep, or into the shoulder structures instead of the deltoid muscle. SIRVA can lead to persistent, severe shoulder pain, limited range of motion, and ongoing dysfunction that lasts weeks, months, or longer.
Understanding the difference between temporary discomfort and a potential vaccine-related injury can help you know when it’s time to seek prompt medical care and, if appropriate, explore legal options.
Pneumococcal pneumonia is a bacterial infection caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae). It spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, or close contact with an infected person. While many cases are mild, pneumococcal pneumonia can lead to severe lung infections, bloodstream infections (bacteremia), and even meningitis.
This type of pneumonia is particularly dangerous for older adults, individuals with weakened immune systems, and those with chronic health conditions. It can also develop alongside other respiratory illnesses, such as the flu or COVID-19, increasing the risk of complications.
Fortunately, pneumococcal vaccines offer protection by reducing the chances of severe infection. However, like all vaccines, they come with potential side effects - including arm pain, soreness, and in rare cases, more serious adverse reactions.
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There are four types of pneumococcal vaccines, each protecting against different strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae. The right vaccine for you depends on factors like age, health conditions, and risk level.
Recommended by the CDC, these vaccines provide nasal immunity, preventing bacteria from colonizing in the nasal passages:
The pneumococcal vaccine isn’t for everyone, but certain groups are at higher risk of severe illness and complications. The CDC, following guidance from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), recommends it for:
Like most vaccines, the pneumococcal shot can cause mild to moderate side effects that typically resolve within a few days. The most common reactions include:
While severe reactions are rare, watch for signs of an allergic reaction:
Most side effects are temporary, but if symptoms persist or worsen, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider.
Shoulder pain after a pneumonia shot is a common side effect, but not all pain is normal. Mild soreness is expected, but persistent or severe pain could signal a deeper issue.
In some cases, vaccine-related shoulder pain isn’t just temporary discomfort, it could be a sign of Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA). This occurs when the vaccine is injected too high or too deep into the shoulder, causing:
SIRVA is a recognized vaccine-related injury and may require medical treatment, physical therapy, or even legal action if it leads to long-term complications. If your shoulder pain doesn’t improve, it’s important to seek medical advice and understand your legal options.
While most people experience only mild side effects from the pneumococcal vaccine, serious vaccine-related injuries can occur. Some individuals develop long-lasting pain or limited mobility due to improper administration or an adverse reaction.
If you’ve experienced long-term pain, mobility issues, or other complications after receiving the pneumococcal vaccine, you may be eligible for compensation through the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). This federal program provides financial relief for individuals who suffer serious vaccine-related injuries, without requiring proof of wrongdoing by a doctor or manufacturer.
While you can file a claim on your own, working with a vaccine injury lawyer significantly improves your chances of success. The claims process involves strict deadlines, medical documentation, and legal procedures that can be difficult to navigate without experience. A lawyer can:
Because attorney fees for VICP cases are paid by the program itself, there’s no increased risk in seeking legal help. If you believe you’ve suffered a vaccine-related injury, consulting with a lawyer is the first step in understanding your rights.
The pneumococcal (pneumonia) vaccine plays a critical role in preventing serious and potentially life-threatening infections. Some soreness at the injection site is normal, especially within the first few days. However, persistent pain, weakness, reduced range of motion, or difficulty using your arm is not typical and should not be ignored.
When shoulder pain appears shortly after the injection, worsens over time, or lasts weeks or months, it may indicate a vaccine-related injury rather than a routine side effect. In some cases, improper injection technique can lead to Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA)—a recognized medical condition that can cause long-term inflammation, tissue damage, and loss of shoulder function.
If your symptoms are ongoing or interfering with daily activities, seek medical evaluation as soon as possible. Early documentation can be important for both treatment and potential legal claims.
Individuals who suffer serious vaccine injuries may be eligible for compensation through the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). This federal program provides financial relief for qualifying vaccine injuries, including compensation for:
Medical expenses
Lost wages
Pain and suffering
At My Vaccine Lawyer, we focus exclusively on vaccine injury claims and have helped thousands of clients recover more than $120 million in settlements and awards. We handle every step of the VICP claims process on your behalf—and you pay nothing out of pocket. Attorney fees and costs are paid separately by the program, regardless of the outcome.
If you believe your pneumonia shot caused more than temporary discomfort, you don’t have to navigate this process alone. Our team is here to help you understand your options and pursue the compensation you deserve.
If you are suffering from persistent pain or complications after a pneumonia shot, do not wait to take action. Our team is here to help.
Call (800) 229-7704 or email info@myvaccinelawyer.com to schedule a free consultation.
You do not have to go through this alone. Let the nation’s top vaccine injury firm fight for the compensation you deserve.
Mild pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site typically last one to three days. However, if pain persists for weeks or worsens, it may indicate a vaccine-related injury such as Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA).
While most people experience only mild reactions, serious side effects are rare. In some cases, individuals may develop SIRVA, severe allergic reactions, or other complications linked to pneumococcal bacteria exposure through vaccination. If symptoms persist, seeking medical attention is recommended.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the three pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV15, PCV20, and PCV21) for adults 65 and older, individuals with weakened immune systems, and those with chronic health conditions. Pneumococcal vaccines help prevent invasive pneumococcal disease and related complications.
Pneumococcal vaccines work by stimulating the immune system to recognize and fight pneumococcal bacteria. They help reduce the risk of severe pneumococcal infections, including pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections.
Paul Brazil is a native of Dunmore, Pennsylvania and a graduate of Dunmore High School. For his undergraduate education, he attended Bloomsburg University where he majored in political science. He then went on to earn his JD from Widener University School of Law. Following graduation from law school, Mr. Brazil worked at a large Philadelphia civil defense firm where he litigated workers’ compensation claims and Heart and Lung Act cases. In 2012, he joined with his coworker Max Muller to form Muller Brazil.
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