Fluzone High-Dose and Muscle Pain: What Users Say

• ski...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 27, 2024

For Influenza Prophylaxis "No one told me I was getting the high dose or if I wanted it. Very bad reaction: couldn't move for two days, horrible headache, joint and muscle pain, hurt from my feet all through the body. Balance issues, couldn't eat or sleep. Worse than any flu I've ever had. It took me two weeks to shake it off. I guess the pharmacists give the same dose to a 300+ pound male as to a skinny 68-year-old vegetarian. When I went back to Walgreens pharmacy to report the adverse reaction, they were not remotely interested in my case, all I got was a shrug and "Sorry". Didn't take any information from me or even make a note of it happening. Never again!"

• Mis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 28, 2020

For Influenza Prophylaxis "I’m 66 years old, and this is the first time I had the Fluzone HD. I was okay with the shot until bedtime when I experienced muscle aches, chills, and slight headaches (no fever), which lasted a couple of days. By the third day, all symptoms had resolved. I never experienced any swelling or pain in the arm where the shot was administered. I have always taken flu shots and had the 65 and over flu shot last year. This is the first time I ever experienced any side effects. I was informed that I would have some stiffness, which was an understatement! I’m in good health and not on any medications. I will stick with the regular 65 and older flu vaccination from now on!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 20, 2022

For Influenza Prophylaxis "My doc told me to always get the flu and pneumonia shot. In the past, I almost died from pneumonia, hospitalized for a month. So every year, I go and get the high dose for flu. I'm a 68-year-old. I'm almost at death's door, almost. Every time I even went to the ER several of those times, the ER doc asked if I got the flu shot and I said yes. I asked him why I feel so horrible when I was vaccinated against the flu, and his reply was at least it kept you from dying! Well, I couldn't wrap my head around this. So the very next year, which was 2021, I went and got another flu shot that year. Well, believe me, I'm done with them, I'd rather take my chances. Last year, at the height of the pandemic, I thought okay, I better get some protection. It wasn't long until I fell ill with nausea, 103 fever, agonizing headaches, and muscle aches. Called the doc, said oh it could be COVID, get tested... no local testing available. So I quarantined at home. I know it was the flu and not COVID, no coughing, no SOB. Never again!"