What if flu shot was not given in the muscle?

Risks of Not Giving the Flu Shot in the Muscle

The flu shot is typically given in the deltoid muscle of the upper arm. This is because the deltoid muscle is large and has a good blood supply, which helps to ensure that the vaccine is properly absorbed. However, there are some cases in which the flu shot may be given in a different location, such as the thigh.

If the flu shot is not given in the muscle, there is a risk that:

* The vaccine will not be properly absorbed, which could reduce its effectiveness.

* The vaccine could cause more pain and swelling at the injection site.

* The vaccine could increase the risk of infection at the injection site.

In rare cases, the flu shot could also cause more serious side effects, such as:

* Fever

* Headache

* Muscle aches

* Fatigue

* Nausea

* Vomiting

* Diarrhea

These side effects typically go away within a few days.

If you are concerned about the location of your flu shot, talk to your doctor.

Other Considerations

In addition to the risks of not giving the flu shot in the muscle, there are also some other considerations to keep in mind. These include:

* The age of the person receiving the flu shot. Children under 3 years old should receive the flu shot in the thigh.

* The size of the person receiving the flu shot. People who are very overweight or obese may need to receive the flu shot in the thigh.

* The presence of any medical conditions. People with certain medical conditions, such as bleeding disorders or diabetes, may need to receive the flu shot in the thigh.

Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about the flu shot.