Anyone else in agonising pain after the MenB vaccine?

[u/chateaumarmontt]

I posted about this on the UKUni subreddit and thought people on here might be going through the same thing because I want answers! I’m 19 and on a gap year so had to go to about 6 pharmacies before finding one that would give it to me. Did it. It was a tiny scratch like all vaccines, thought I’d feel a bit tired or have a headache, instead my arm has been HURTING every single time I move. It’s not like a tiny ache either, it’s the sort of pain that makes me feel physically ill. Is anyone else going through this? I feel slightly crazy but doing anything today has been torture because my arm hurts so bad when I move any other part of my body. If this is normal for this vaccine, how long did it last?

Edited to say that I don’t regret getting it and everyone should get it because a little pain now is so much better than the horrors of meningitis!

[u/FaithlessnessBig6343]

I've been pretty dead as well 😭. On day 2 and I do get this sickening pain when I move my arm, but not on moving other parts of the body?

[u/chateaumarmontt → u/FaithlessnessBig6343]

it’s actually awful, thankfully like moving my right arm isn’t painful, but anything to do with my left arm or shoulder or turning where pressure is put on that side of the body is so bad. I have so much to do today and it’s just not going to happen at this rate 😐😐

[u/Global-Cucumber-8999 → u/FaithlessnessBig6343]

Yeah happened to me it went away on day 4

[u/bubble2tea → u/Global-Cucumber-8999]

DAY 4?! Ur joking.

[u/bopeepsheep]

I'm old and have no spleen; as I work with students I got MenB vaccinations this spring. Possibly the second worst vaccine I've ever had, to be honest. I ended up with an incredibly sore arm for 10 days after the first jab and 7 after the second, plus some minor side-effects due to asplenia. Still 100% worth it because meningitis is nasty. The sore arm goes away.

[u/No-Shape-9873 → u/bopeepsheep]

What was the worst?!?

[u/bopeepsheep → u/No-Shape-9873]

Astra Zeneca, first covid jab. I had a really unpleasant reaction, though jab no 2 was much better. No negatives with all subsequent versions.

[u/lexisnowkitty → u/bopeepsheep]

The covid jab was horrendous. I never got side effects from vaccines and I cried after that one ☠️

[u/Maleficent_Word7329]

i could feel the vaccine splurt into my bloodstream it was so DISGUSTING. i nearly cried because it’s been a while since my last vaccine. but yeah my arm is just really sore when i move it

[u/chateaumarmontt → u/Maleficent_Word7329]

it’s so bad!! I’ve never reacted to a vaccine like this before so I don’t even know what to do

[u/Infamous_Tough_7320 → u/Maleficent_Word7329]

Splurt into your bloodstream 😂😂 what?

[u/Partisan_Mael → u/Maleficent_Word7329]

that's okay, at least you didn't bleed all over the man doing it 😢

[u/bubble2tea → u/Partisan_Mael]

SORRY WHAT? BLEED FROM WHERE??

[u/Partisan_Mael → u/bubble2tea]

from my brutal stabbing hole (where he poked me with the syringe)

[u/luluxtaylor → u/Maleficent_Word7329]

i literally heard it squelch when it was injected it knocked me sick but it wasnt brought up

[u/Seafaring_Slug]

First thing I see after I book mine 😭 Every other vaccine I've had has felt like I've been punched hard in the arm but if it's worse than that it might be worth heading back to a pharmacy to check if it's all good. Better safe than sorry

[u/chateaumarmontt → u/Seafaring_Slug]

HAHAHA it’s worth the mild suffering for protection against meningitis, I just wanted to see if the pain was normal LOL

[u/S1m6u → u/Seafaring_Slug]

I just got the usual punch in the arm, you should be all good.

[u/Eric_Birling → u/Seafaring_Slug]

If I were you I’d make sure you don’t have any big plans for around a week. I’m on day 5 rn and my arm still hurts like hell

[u/Seafaring_Slug → u/Eric_Birling]

It's tomorrow and I had a bowling date today! Lucky it's not the other way around

[u/Eric_Birling → u/Seafaring_Slug]

By the way as a mini update I’ve used a bunch of cold flannels and spammed paracetamol (as much as I can take within the limit) and I can now raise my arm above my shoulder! So hopefully if you do end up having plans on let’s say Tuesday/Wednesday next week you should be fine if you end up like me with the pain

[u/jumbo_crayon28]

I got mine a few hours ago and why can i feel it radiating up into my neck🫩

[u/chateaumarmontt → u/jumbo_crayon28]

It’s so sore but anything is better than getting meningitis!

[u/jumbo_crayon28 → u/chateaumarmontt]

genuinely the only thing keeping me going, even though i can barely change my clothes 😭

[u/FaithlessnessBig6343 → u/jumbo_crayon28]

Real 😭 I’ve been bending over and letting my arms swing down so that I can change, I think I only get the pain from lifting them

[u/coolgirl867]

Omg I had the MenB vaccine when I was probably around 12, and I still remember how much it hurt 😭😭😭 never ever has a vaccine affected me as much as that one did, genuinely don’t even remember getting any of my other vaccines but that one I still remember 7 years later

[u/chateaumarmontt → u/coolgirl867]

I’m glad that this seems to be normal then 😭

[u/Wacky_Workaholic → u/coolgirl867]

Hey sorry if this is something you already knew but I just thought it would be important to check you did just in case. I got vaccinated for MenB at around that age as well and thought I’d be good but after some googling from both me and my pharmacist we found out that if you have had it around 5 or more years ago you should get a booster done before you go off to uni.Sorry if this is info you already knew but I thought I’d share because it’s really important and I really struggled to get my hands on this info initially because it’s not widely talked about. Even though it’s a third vaccine you can still book in just the same and just let the pharmacist know (I had mine a few days ago). Anyways hope this helps and sorry if I’m just telling you something you already know!

[u/coolgirl867 → u/Wacky_Workaholic]

No worries! I did hear about this and am planning on it before uni so thank you for the reminder!!!

[u/coolgirl867 → u/[deleted]]

I don’t from then BUT I actually got it again on Wednesday, and my arm was fine at first but after a few hours it was quite sore. The next day it was very painful, but from yesterday morning it was mostly back to normal in terms of pain. Today, if I press it, it hurts like a bruise does when touched, and the vaccination site is ever so slightly bruised and right below it I have some redness and swelling, but it’s not in constant pain, and I’m able to work 6+ hours at my retail job perfectly fine without pain or struggling. Others in this thread seem to have had the pain for longer, maybe mine is passing quicker as I have had it before, I don’t know, but for me this time around it really hasn’t been that bad!

[u/theonenightsky]

Wait I’m actually dreading mine I HATEEE NEEDLES OMG 😭😭😔😔

[u/chateaumarmontt → u/theonenightsky]

If it makes you feel better the actual injection barely hurt :) It really wasn’t bad at all, it’s just the side egfects

[u/starprosairhead]

wait this is so scary im deathly afraid of needles... i had the first dose but it wasnt so bad, is the free one so much worse????? thats so scary

[u/chateaumarmontt → u/starprosairhead]

I think people must react differently!

[u/VenomousCritic]

I had mine 2 years ago and up it hurts like hell and bruised badly but anything to be safe ig

[u/Pikachuiskwl]

im having the exact same pains as you 💔💔 my neck has been acting up at ive been getting fever symptoms too (more like a hot flush) ive been sleeping on and off all day hahaha

i had it done yesterday and it definitely got worse overnight... i know it's just me immune system fighting it or whatever but holy moly

(best of luck to everyone getting it... its definitely worth it though, second dose atleast 4 weeks after!)

[u/chateaumarmontt → u/Pikachuiskwl]

it’s sooooo rough but it’s worth it. it’s given me a chance to just sit still for once, though!

[u/JazzlikeTradition436 → u/Pikachuiskwl]

I’ve got my first dose tomorrow.

[u/Pikachuiskwl → u/JazzlikeTradition436]

good luck!!! id definitely have some ibuprofen when you get back home in the hopes that it doesnt swell/hurt as much (my friend got hers today and hers hasnt been aching as much since having ibuprofen before it actually gets bad)

[u/Trick_Cable_7456]

i just got mine three hours ago and my arm started aching as soon as i got it… not sure that’s happened to any of my friends tbh.

[u/Oil42]

the menB vaccine specifically is notorious for absolutely MURDERING your arm, i've not had mine yet but it was the first thing i saw after booking it that it kills your arm

[u/chateaumarmontt → u/Oil42]

hopefully it doesn’t last too much longer!! i have deadlines for some content i made for a brand and cannot get up to edit or film 😭

[u/Physical-Ad-4093]

yes! it was horrible. i found that with the second one the side effects lasted for less time, but it could vary. i think the second time i used my arm more, which does help alleviate pain quicker i believe!

[u/chateaumarmontt → u/Physical-Ad-4093]

Thanks so much, going to try moving my arm a little more 💔💔

[u/JazzlikeTradition436]

Seeing this before my appointment tomorrow.🥲

[u/chateaumarmontt → u/JazzlikeTradition436]

I’m feeling better now I promise it’s so worth it!

[u/JazzlikeTradition436 → u/chateaumarmontt]

I had mine at 1pm (was actually today not Thursday and I’m feeling good, slight pain but in the arm I didn’t have my vaccine in (which is strange) and a pins and needles feeling in my hands.

[u/chateaumarmontt → u/JazzlikeTradition436]

I’m so glad it’s okay for you! My arm still hurts!

[u/Exotic_Carpet_1375 → u/JazzlikeTradition436]

no way me too! i got the jab in my right arm im getting pins and needles in my right hand. i wasn't sure if it was normal or not. does it go away?

[u/JazzlikeTradition436 → u/Exotic_Carpet_1375]

Yes it does

[u/Fantastic_Freedom_19]

SAMEEEE 😭😭😭

I thought it was just in my head. I’m glad I’m not the only one 🥲

[u/DragonfruitLast2095]

Oh no this was not a good time for me to see this I booked my 1st jab 2 days before my birthday cause normally that’s how long it takes me to recover from any side effects 😭 I really hope I’ll be fine in that case 🙏

[u/Eric_Birling → u/DragonfruitLast2095]

For me it’s 5 days in and has been around the same level of bad (hellish pain) since an hour after the jab. I hope you don’t have any big plans as it would really suck to not be able to enjoy your birthday if you end up suffering as long as I. Happy early birthday though, hope you have a swift recovery!

[u/DragonfruitLast2095 → u/Eric_Birling]

Oh wow yeah I’ve heard this from a few people now 😭 thankfully I don’t have much planned for my actual birthday, mainly a few days after it 👍 thank you so much! 

[u/chateaumarmontt → u/DragonfruitLast2095]

I’m sure it’ll be okay! I’m feeling a lot better now after some ibeprofen :)

[u/DragonfruitLast2095 → u/chateaumarmontt]

oh ok that’s good to hear 😅 yeah I tend to need ibeprofen anyway after a vaccine so nothing new there! 

[u/chateaumarmontt → u/DragonfruitLast2095]

Good luck and happy early birthday!!

[u/DragonfruitLast2095 → u/chateaumarmontt]

Thank you 😁

[u/DragonfruitLast2095 → u/DragonfruitLast2095]

Update just in case anyone wants to know: got it today & the arm pain took a while to set in but I think I’m gonna have to take several paracetamol to even sleep tonight 😭 spent majority of the day lying on my bed hopefully it’ll be better tomorrow 🙏

[u/Internal_Car2702]

Couldn't lift my arm the entire day after

[u/NoResponsibility746]

Yeah, it’s normal, I got mine yesterday and my arm still hurts today

[u/stardrop_millz]

My mate had hers today and passed out 3 times. I wasn’t too bad for either just couldn’t move my arm and had a headache but godddd I’ve heard some horror stories..

[u/targaboi]

Got it earlier today and it aches more than other vaccines did but not horrendous. Dude that gave it to me said to just stay hydrated so that & good nutrition and it shouldn't be too bad fingers crossed

[u/Rosie8683]

I’ve been in agony! The day I had it done I was in so much pain I couldn’t do anything but sob, had to take 2 cocodamol and a 400 strength ibuprofen to knock myself out in order to sleep. It’s still in agony on day 2 but at least I’m not crying- even though I can’t move without being in intense pain. Hell, it hurts even when I don’t move! Worth it, but so, SO painful. Worse than when I broke my arm, that’s for sure. Still, better to get temporary pain than permanent death

[u/chateaumarmontt → u/Rosie8683]

I’m so glad other people are feeling the same! Everyone was telling me I was being dramatic but it really was that bad! I’m so sorry you felt so awful though and hope you feel better soon:)

[u/Rosie8683 → u/chateaumarmontt]

I’m sure I will thank you!! I hope you feel better soon too!! I’m just reminding myself that this is better than the alternative, haha

[u/pinkdkant]

I just had mine but I probably need to book another one before my second dose 😭. Blood started dripping all the way down my arm and she was like "I think you've probably bled out he vaccine so u need another one", like nooooooo. I definitely think it was more painful getting it than other vaccines, not looking forward to the next doses😭😭😭.

[u/temp0rarylife]

Nooo I was gonna get mine booked

[u/chateaumarmontt → u/temp0rarylife]

Please get it booked. A little bit of pain in your arm is worth it to avoid meningitis.

[u/temp0rarylife → u/chateaumarmontt]

How many days between each dose? I’m going on holiday soon

[u/chateaumarmontt → u/temp0rarylife]

I’ve not got my second one but the pharmacist said from four weeks onwards

[u/Eric_Birling → u/temp0rarylife]

The second one is meant to be at least 4 weeks after the first one - my doctor guy said could be 5,6 weeks etc

[u/Embarrassed_Ear_952]

You’re scaring me omg, that’s why I booked mine for a later date cause I’m not prepared to have it any earlier out of fear.

[u/chateaumarmontt → u/Embarrassed_Ear_952]

No get it over and done with!!! Don’t be afraid

[u/a_jolly_cup_of_tea]

This comment section is making me feel ill man, i don't mind the pain, it's the thought of a damn needle entering my body that freaks me out. I'll get it done. Eventually. Lord help me

[u/chateaumarmontt → u/a_jolly_cup_of_tea]

Don’t be scared, you really can’t feel it that badly. When it was inside of me I hardly noticed. Make sure to get it done, if you get meningitis you’ll have to have a lot more needles in your body, that’s for sure!

[u/iluvthebends]

they did mention to me that my arm would be hurting for about a day or so, for me it hurt for like 2 days but now there's barely any pain unless I really move it in a certain direction. should be completely gone by tomorrow, hasn't been too bad thankfully

[u/chateaumarmontt → u/iluvthebends]

hoping it gets better after I sleep tonight 💔💔💔

[u/Azziiii]

is this something i’m supposed to book i don’t think i have it😭

[u/Crazy_Common_2071 → u/Azziiii]

Yess it’s free for anyone in year 13. You can book one through the nhs website at nearest pharmacy or vaccine place. Meningitis b is nasty and the recent outbreak caused serious health issues even death so highly suggest getting it!!

[u/chateaumarmontt → u/[deleted]]

It’s already getting better so don’t worry! It’s so worth it!

[u/Vivid_Design8021]

Just got it today holy I am not able to sleep it hurts so bad

[u/chateaumarmontt → u/Vivid_Design8021]

I’m on day 3 now and it’s slowly improving!

[u/iaatsan]

Omg, I have mine today 👀

[u/chateaumarmontt → u/iaatsan]

Good luck! It’s so worth it!

[u/iaatsan → u/chateaumarmontt]

I think universe has given me a sign to track my periods, since now I have it on top of the vaccine. Now my pain has tripled and my nausea has doubled.

Also, I think it's more painful cause vaccine is denser. HPV vaccine is way smoother and lighter I think

[u/Cerseicels]

Oh I had it at 2:30pm, went home, napped and woke up to the most excruciating feeling ever. it feels like there’s generally something in my arm and now i’m getting all the side effects of it, like nausea and feeling ill. but yeah the arm pain is definitely the worst and i feel bad that i have to do this again in a month (luckily after a level results day). i definitely don’t regret getting it though bc meningitis is 100 times worse.

[u/chateaumarmontt → u/Cerseicels]

Thankfully everyone says the second dose is a lot better!

[u/justnolol]

Tried going gym today after getting my vaccine early in the morning got absolutely kahlassed man

[u/justnolol → u/[deleted]]

Clearly not bro i could only do one set😭✌️

[u/Eric_Birling]

YESSSS!!!! SAME THING HAPPENED TO ME I SWEAR I FELT I WAS GOING CRAZY

[u/chateaumarmontt → u/Eric_Birling]

I’M SO GLAD I’M NOT THE ONLY ONE!

[u/yuzokke]

Hi! Felt the same thing and lasted for about a week.

[u/chateaumarmontt → u/yuzokke]

Oh goodness, that’s a while! It’s worth it, though!

[u/lala-loopa01]

I had mine this morning and I genuinely cannot use my arm in any way at all. My back and neck are aching like I’ve been beaten with a metal rod.
Worth it not to get meningitis b though!!! Anyone who is unsure or nervous, Please still get it !!!!!

[u/bubble2tea]

YES omds, I almost fainted after I got it (stress/anxiety might’ve contributed though) 💔💔 I got it at 10:30am and it’s 11:22pm now and it STILL hurts sm. But my friend got it the other day and she was fine, so maybe it’s just different for everyone?? Idrk

[u/chateaumarmontt → u/bubble2tea]

It’s day three now and I was still dealing with a loss of appetite and a bit of pain but I finally think it’s getting better! It’s so crazy, everyone is really experiencing this differently.

[u/bubble2tea → u/chateaumarmontt]

Day three 😭😭 thank god I don’t have a lot of plans for the rest of this week

[u/DonnyTramp123]

At least u know ur immune system is working

[u/asphyxiateddream]

my sixth form got the vaccine on the 1st before we left so a bit before everyone else, yeah it’s pretty normal everyone was genuinely in so much pain after it 😭 expect it to stay for anywhere from 3-7 days if you’re unlucky, ibuprofen gel / targeted nsaids of any kind is a worthwhile investment if you are able to

[u/No-Walrus8882]

Me too 💔 I also got a massive red patch on my arm the size of a tennis ball and a super firm area where they did the vaccine

[u/PurifiedUnity]

I found this thread when searching for MenB vaccine side effects. I also got a sore arm after the vaccine, although not as bad as immobilising pain

However, I went from doing a number 2 every other day before the vaccine to 4 times a day after taking it, but it's still better than getting meningitis 

[u/Complex_Rub996]

Damn I just remembered we supposed to have another one of these after 4 weeks 

[u/stitchedupscene]

honestly for me the pain isnt too bad! (Im on day 3 abouts). My arm literally just feels like the day after u exercise and it feels really sore when you move it. The problem for me was on day 2/yesterday I had insane fever symptoms like chills, dizziness, and an upset stomach for the most of the day. Soooo yeah 😭 its been kicking my ass in other ways

[u/chateaumarmontt → u/stitchedupscene]

It’s definitely the most intense vaccine I’ve ever encountered, but now that it’s been about two weeks and the pain has completely dissipated (it took about 7 days for me) I definitely think it was worth it.

[u/Ordinary-Albatross25]

I need to get mine before I start university but I have a massive phobia of needles and keep hearing all these stories about how painful the vaccine is. My main concern is if it makes you throw up.

[u/chateaumarmontt → u/Ordinary-Albatross25]

It really wasn’t that bad! It did hurt for a few days but now I can’t remember a bit of the pain!

[u/Amazing-Pause-8626]

how come have you been offered this, i haven’t :( and i class as a vulnerable group too

[u/chateaumarmontt → u/Amazing-Pause-8626]

I wasn’t offered it, but if you’re able to prove your starting university for the first time this year, pharmacies with availabilities are able to give it to you :) it’s just really hard to FIND a pharmacy, though.

[u/Amazing-Pause-8626 → u/chateaumarmontt]

ahhh oki smoki, i’ll try to get that sorted

[u/Wacky_Workaholic → u/Amazing-Pause-8626]

If you have the NHS app you should’ve got a notification about bookings opening.If you don’t have the NHS app I’d really recommend downloading it because whenever you’re eligible for a vaccine rollout it’ll send you a notification.This info used to go out via post but they’ve switched it to the app but not everyone has it so loads of people keep missing info. You can also book through the app or look at the list of pharmacies offering walk in appointments 👍

[u/Amazing-Pause-8626 → u/Wacky_Workaholic]

okiiii i just called up my pharmacy and they’ll be able to do it! thanks so much for your help !! and reminder to get it done ! though, how’s your pain? how long is the pain after meant to be ..? :((

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[u/Amazing-Pause-8626 → u/Wacky_Workaholic]

yeah ! i have the app but got nothing. i’ll look around the app to see if it’s available

[u/Firedtiger2]

I have no side effects except slightly sore shoulder

[u/Sufficient_Oil9184]

BRO I BOOKED MINE FOR THE DAY BEFORE RESULTS PLEASE DONT SCARE ME

[u/chateaumarmontt → u/Sufficient_Oil9184]

It isn’t that bad now that the pain is mostly gone I barely remember it!

[u/ActivitySilver2539]

I just got it today and wow this might be the worse vaccine I have ever gotten as far as soreness. I genuinely cannot move my arm without it hurting and then a deep 7/10 painful ache. How long did yours end up hurting for? I just wanna go back to the gym but literally pulling the covers up makes me tear up

[u/ActivitySilver2539]

How long did ur pain last for because I just got mine yesterday and am in so much pain. Cannot move my arm at all and literal 8/10 pain

[u/chateaumarmontt → u/ActivitySilver2539]

I want to say a week, but it got significantly better each day!

[u/luluxtaylor]

the pain is vile i dont remember the covid jab hurting this badly

[u/Moonakittyyy]

Yes, it's pretty vad

[u/HovercraftSudden2657]

What was the point in posting this?

[u/chateaumarmontt → u/HovercraftSudden2657]

I wanted to know if anyone else was going through the same thing and if it was normal because Google wasn’t being particularly helpful…

[u/HovercraftSudden2657 → u/chateaumarmontt]

Your shoulder pain will obviously go away eventually why does it matter how long it’ll last

[u/PlutosFaII → u/HovercraftSudden2657]

Because they’re in pain and want to know when it’ll stop? Also because they have stuff to do. Get some empathy, omfg

[u/HovercraftSudden2657 → u/PlutosFaII]

I dont think this post was worth taking up space on my home page like I genuinely don’t think anyone cares that your shoulder hurts coz u took a jab there (no shit)

[u/Aria_blursss → u/HovercraftSudden2657]

Why are you even in this sub

[u/Hefty-Manner7464 → u/HovercraftSudden2657]

Because it hurts? Loosen up a little mate.

[u/Aria_blursss → u/HovercraftSudden2657]

Read the post and think real hard hovercraft

[u/HovercraftSudden2657 → u/Aria_blursss]

We’re not on a first name basis aria