Flublok Vaccine

[EPguy]

I recently posted on selecting this version of the flu vax for its potential advantages.

healthunlocked.com/mpnvoice...

As an update, I have had a possible ongoing reaction to it. All felt fine for a couple days. But for the past week I've had shoulder and right side pains. This is not normal for me. It may be improving but I figured I should note here now. It's correlated to the vax but of course I can't prove the cause. I even had an unusual knee pain that has fortunately resolved.

There is something known as SIRVA (shoulder injury related to vaccine administration). It's a bad thing and I (hope) don't think I have it as it can be permanent. But this episode has brought my attention to the area.

It's possible the Bes IFN made this better vax too good, IFN 1 (the type we use) from my reading can enhance vax effects. Enhancing an enhanced vax may be overkill. I took my Bes the prior week.

My GP says these small needles cannot cause such injuries, I do hope so. He also said as an MPN I can't do the nasal flu vax.

My Covid vax with strong Moderna dose went fine the prior week, just the normal couple days pain right after.

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My advice is to be sure the vaccine administrator uses the correct length needle and puts it in the right place. The image here is an example of this locating process. Also make sure your shoulder is fully exposed so the person can see and feel all the landmarks to locate it.

Smaller/skinnier patients need a shorter needle. Also if you have a smaller deltoid the smaller needle is indicated. I have a decent sized muscle there but am in the weight that may suggest a shorter needle. A top risk is they put it in too high and it lands well above the triangle seen here. But too long and it can go past the muscle.

We shouldn't have to think about this but I will from now on. Meantime my exercise that keeps this muscle plump is out for a while.

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Here is some guidance on needle sizes for shoulder vaxing:

chop.edu/news/make-sure-you...

"Adults weighing less than 130 lbs (60 kg): Use of a 1” needle is recommended. However, a 5/8" needle may be used for IM injection in the deltoid muscle if the fatty tissue overlying the deltoid muscle is flattened (i.e., not bunched between thumb and fingers during the injection) and the needle is inserted at a 90-degree angle to the skin.

Adults weighing 130–152 lbs (60–70 kg): Use of a 1" needle is recommended.

Women weighing 152–200 lbs (70–90 kg) and men weighing 152–260 lbs (70–118 kg): Use of a 1"–1½" needle is recommended.

Women weighing more than 200 lbs (90 kg) or men weighing more than 260 lbs (118 kg): Use of a 1½" needle is recommended."