Fluzone High-Dose and Body Aches: What Users Say

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 3, 2019

For Influenza Prophylaxis "For 24 hours after the high-dose flu shot (over 65), I endured chills, headache, stomach upset, stuffy nose, felt very, very sick all over, and ached and ached. Not a pleasant experience—yes, there are reactions to this shot—don’t let the medical profession fool you! I hope this was all worth it—"

• Avi...
• December 14, 2019

For Influenza Prophylaxis "I took the high-dose flu vaccine on 9/27 as I was planning a trip that required long hours in flight. Three days later, I had extremely bloodshot eyes with tearing, photophobia, chills, body aches, and headaches the like of which I have never had before. They seemed to be worse at night and early morning but varied in location and intensity. My balance was off (not good for a hiker!), so I was off-trail for a considerable time. Blurred vision, so I had my eyes examined with no changes there. Continued headaches with high blood pressure requiring an increase in my BP medication. This took me to the doctor and had an MRI on December 11. It was negative. Still having gait problems this far out from the vaccine and headaches. No one will ever convince me that this is a safe vaccine. I travel a lot and have had vaccines for typhoid, cholera, hepatitis A & B, pneumococcal, DPT in the last two years. Nothing wiped me out like this. I had to reschedule the trekking expedition I had planned for months."

• Lay...
• November 12, 2019

For Influenza Prophylaxis "This year was my first time taking the Fluzone High-Dose vaccine. I've experienced headaches, increased weakness, and pain in my muscles and joints, back (body). I've experienced increased difficulty walking and trouble raising my legs to rest them on the ottoman (still hurt), or when getting into bed. Sleep has been difficult. It feels like having the flu. I have some musculoskeletal difficulty on a normal day. After the Fluzone High-Dose vaccine, it's like a sudden, lingering onset of the body aches. I had the flu in 1992. It took all of my strength away; with aches and pain. When I thought it was cleared up, it doubled down. It was hard to get rid of. I felt blessed and thankful to get over it. I have taken the regular flu (influenza) vaccine every year since. I'll go back to the regular vaccine. No Fluzone High-Dose for me. I am thankful for a healthy immune system. I feel that the regular flu vaccine will be good enough. Thanks-but-no, thanks."

• Sic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 14, 2022

For Influenza Prophylaxis "I am female and just turned 65 years old and was given this shot instead of the regular flu shot I had always been given, which never caused any side effects at all. At first, my arm was a little sore, but nothing compared to Covid arm. Two days later, I noticed I was really tired and needed to go to bed early, even though it was the weekend. At the end of the third day, I felt awful. I had chest pain, body aches, and a pounding headache, but the worst was the extreme weakness. I couldn’t get from one end of the house to the other without being short of breath with my heart pounding. This went on for four more days. It would let up now and then, but always came back. The side effects were worse and lasted much longer than the Covid shots I had had previously. I will never get this again! It was a horrendous experience!"

• Ano...
• September 29, 2022

For Influenza Prophylaxis "Received the Fluzone High-Dose vaccine 2 days ago. Shortly after I got home from the Dr, I became dizzy and felt faint. That evening, I felt shaky, dizzy, anxiety, achy, and very emotional. Only slept 2 hours. The next day, I felt better as the day went on and slept 10 hours. Now, this morning I’m dizzy with diarrhea. Next year, going back to the normal single dose. Injection site is still red and swollen. Interesting, when I called my Dr, he indicated I had the same shot last year with no side effects. This year’s vaccine must be different. Never again."

• Ake...
• October 4, 2022

For Influenza Prophylaxis "I get a flu shot every year. I have also been vaccinated with both pneumonia shots, gotten both Covid shots, and been boosted three times. The worst post-vaccine reaction to the shot has been tenderness of the shot site the next morning. I haven’t experienced any fever, chills, or body aches. I haven’t had any flu in years. Some winters have been accompanied by a cold, though none were severe. Some of these symptoms may have been flu-based but were mild enough to be considered only a cold. Presuming a reaction becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy."

• Mar...
• October 8, 2022

For Influenza Prophylaxis "Had vaccine at 1 pm. By 11 pm, had chills, body aches, stuffy nose, and pain at injection site. Headache the next morning. Felt fine after that. Hopefully, will protect me against flu."