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Pneumonia Vaccine
The following 1 comments and questions have been sent in. They are listed according to date.
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Had bad side-effects from vaccine
Question
September 16, 2009
I am a 65 year old with mild copd controlled with advair 150. No other medications. My VA doctor insisted I take the pneumonia vaccine. I was in otherwise perfect health. Within 2 days of the vaccine, I developed severe sore throat and lung congestion. Within 4 days my left arm had such severe muscle pain I could not lean on it and my fingers in my left hand tingle like they are "asleep". It has been 3 weeks now...I have finally gotten rid of the "flu" but my arm pain and tingling in my arm and fingers continue.
I would caution anyone before taking this pneumonia vaccine. I wish I had never gotten this vaccination.
Everett - USA
18323
Answer
The pneumonia vaccine is highly recommended for people over 60. This is especially true for those with COPD, because contracting bacterial pneumonia along with COPD can cause a downward spiral of repeated lung infections and a further decline of lung function.
There are sometimes side-effects to the vaccine, which are usually mild. Unfortunately, it sounds like you suffered pretty severe side effects. The doctor should have given you a warning about it and followed up when you suffered your symptoms.
Even though you are over the sore throat and lung congestion, it would be good to check with your doctor to make sure you don't have a lingering infection. Also, you need to find out why you still have the pain in your arm.
Hopefully, you are seeing a specific doctor at VA. I'd heard that some patients get a different VA doctor each time they go.
I hope that your doctor will be able to evaluate the problem and give you relief from these side-effects.
Best wishes on good health.
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