Not looking forward to this flu shot
January 30, 2020 11:27 AM Subscribe
I’m determined to get a flu shot today. What is the best way to go about this and what can I expect?
I’ve never gotten the flu shot before, but I promised a friend that I would get it this year. Please no lectures either pro or against. It’s happening! I just want to know what to expect.
First of all, should I go to Urgent Care or a drug store to get it? I do not have a primary physician. The thought of going into some random, crowded, dingy Rite-Aid and getting something injected into me makes me VERY uncomfortable. Is this irrational? I’m not scared of the shot itself. I’m scared the administration of it will get messed up somehow. However, if I go to Urgent Care I will have to wait a long time, and pay more.
Once I figure out where I’m going, what will happen? Should I not eat before hand? Afterwards? Is my arm going to hurt? How long should the whole encounter take, once I’m with the technician or nurse or whomever?
Assuming everything goes well, what can I expect afterwards? Pain, lethargy, etc? I know the shot itself doesn’t make you sick. HOWEVER, I am visiting a very sick relative in the hospital this weekend, so I cant exhibit any symptoms of anything.
Please explain the whole thing to me like I’m your silly fearful child.
I’ve never gotten the flu shot before, but I promised a friend that I would get it this year. Please no lectures either pro or against. It’s happening! I just want to know what to expect.
First of all, should I go to Urgent Care or a drug store to get it? I do not have a primary physician. The thought of going into some random, crowded, dingy Rite-Aid and getting something injected into me makes me VERY uncomfortable. Is this irrational? I’m not scared of the shot itself. I’m scared the administration of it will get messed up somehow. However, if I go to Urgent Care I will have to wait a long time, and pay more.
Once I figure out where I’m going, what will happen? Should I not eat before hand? Afterwards? Is my arm going to hurt? How long should the whole encounter take, once I’m with the technician or nurse or whomever?
Assuming everything goes well, what can I expect afterwards? Pain, lethargy, etc? I know the shot itself doesn’t make you sick. HOWEVER, I am visiting a very sick relative in the hospital this weekend, so I cant exhibit any symptoms of anything.
Please explain the whole thing to me like I’m your silly fearful child.
I've only gotten them at work (they bring in nurses to do it), so I can't speak to what it's like getting it at a drug store. A lot of places give them out for free, so the cost may not be factor.
It doesn't matter what you eat before or after.
Like any injection, whether it hurts or not comes down to the person doing it/ luck. It's a fine needle, and I've never felt more than a tiny momentary sting.
If the injector doesn't rub the spot right afterward, do it yourself. A nurse told me that when they do that, it disperses the injection and it ended up not hurting. The only time mine hurt was when this wasn't done. And it was just slightly sore for a little — like a bruise.
In short, as far as injections go, it's about as easy as they come.
posted by jonathanhughes at 11:33 AM on January 30, 2020 [7 favorites]
It doesn't matter what you eat before or after.
Like any injection, whether it hurts or not comes down to the person doing it/ luck. It's a fine needle, and I've never felt more than a tiny momentary sting.
If the injector doesn't rub the spot right afterward, do it yourself. A nurse told me that when they do that, it disperses the injection and it ended up not hurting. The only time mine hurt was when this wasn't done. And it was just slightly sore for a little — like a bruise.
In short, as far as injections go, it's about as easy as they come.
posted by jonathanhughes at 11:33 AM on January 30, 2020 [7 favorites]
You can go anywhere. I have never done it at a drugstore, but there's nothing wrong with doing it there. Walmart is a place that lots of my acquaintance gets it. If you find the particular drugstore dirty or crowded you could go elsewhere. Since it's intramuscular there's not much chance that it will be administered wrong.
My arm is usually sore for a couple of days afterward. You can take OTC pain meds like tylenol or ibuprofen beforehand and it mitigates the pain.
I hate needles and would say that the flu shot is better than having blood drawn in that it takes no time and there's not much chance of ending up with a bruise.
posted by Lawn Beaver at 11:34 AM on January 30, 2020 [2 favorites]
My arm is usually sore for a couple of days afterward. You can take OTC pain meds like tylenol or ibuprofen beforehand and it mitigates the pain.
I hate needles and would say that the flu shot is better than having blood drawn in that it takes no time and there's not much chance of ending up with a bruise.
posted by Lawn Beaver at 11:34 AM on January 30, 2020 [2 favorites]
I get mine at the pharmacy downstairs from my office. You fill out a form (Canada). They take the person into a separate room, prepare the shot, use alcohol to clean the area, administer the shot (to this point, maybe two minutes? not even?), and ask you to stay for a bit (10-15 minutes) to make sure you don't have a reaction (I have NEVER seen anyone have one). No one has ever asked me about whether I've eaten.
My arm usually hurts like someone gave it a punch for a couple of days. Sometimes the shot itself is a pinch but last time I didn't even feel it, that's how good the pharmacist at this store is at this. One year I felt ill for a day or two after but it was minor and probably a coincidence, and I've had the shot every year for what, 20 or so years.
posted by wellred at 11:35 AM on January 30, 2020 [2 favorites]
My arm usually hurts like someone gave it a punch for a couple of days. Sometimes the shot itself is a pinch but last time I didn't even feel it, that's how good the pharmacist at this store is at this. One year I felt ill for a day or two after but it was minor and probably a coincidence, and I've had the shot every year for what, 20 or so years.
posted by wellred at 11:35 AM on January 30, 2020 [2 favorites]
I get mine at CVS- the pharm gives it to me. She's very good. You can eat whatever whenever. Arm might hurt for a little while or not at all or for a few days, it really depends on how active you are and how easily you bruise or like where they jabbed you. Takes like a minute. If you have a sensitive immune response to stuff like bruises and scrapes you might feel a little warm for a day- you might not. That has more to do with the skin getting punctured then the actual contents of the shot. It's very casual and easy and you might want to go to the drugstore because those pharms do it so often they're really good at it.
posted by Homo neanderthalensis at 11:36 AM on January 30, 2020 [4 favorites]
posted by Homo neanderthalensis at 11:36 AM on January 30, 2020 [4 favorites]
I usually get it done at the drug store, but I think I wouldn't recommend that. They end up taking me back into an office stuck in the middle of the back storage area, where I have a view of boxes and stuff. That's fine by me, but it sounds like it might play into some of your anxiety. Assuming the money isn't a big barrier, I would go to Urgent Care.
I don't think you need to avoid eating beforehand. For me, the entire process typically takes almost no time. It usually take me more time to take off my sweater and roll up my sleeve than it takes to get the injection. They'll wipe down the injection site (it's always been my shoulder) with some sort of disinfecting wipe, and then the injection takes maybe fifteen seconds. That's a guess, but it's quick. My shoulder is usually a little sore for a day or two afterwards, but nothing worse than when I've done a particularly intense arm workout.
Congratulations on doing this! It's hard to do medical things that make you anxious, but I bet you'll feel great once you've done it.
posted by ArbitraryAndCapricious at 11:36 AM on January 30, 2020 [4 favorites]
I don't think you need to avoid eating beforehand. For me, the entire process typically takes almost no time. It usually take me more time to take off my sweater and roll up my sleeve than it takes to get the injection. They'll wipe down the injection site (it's always been my shoulder) with some sort of disinfecting wipe, and then the injection takes maybe fifteen seconds. That's a guess, but it's quick. My shoulder is usually a little sore for a day or two afterwards, but nothing worse than when I've done a particularly intense arm workout.
Congratulations on doing this! It's hard to do medical things that make you anxious, but I bet you'll feel great once you've done it.
posted by ArbitraryAndCapricious at 11:36 AM on January 30, 2020 [4 favorites]
1. The flu shot will not protect your sick relative this weekend. It takes a couple weeks to take effect. It won't hurt, either, but this is a thing you should know.
2. I've gotten them done at pharmacies several times. You go to the pharmacy window in the back, tell them you want a flu shot. They'll look up your insurance and make sure it's covered. (I have, in the past, been told that my insurance only covers it via a doctor's office - ymmv.) The person administering it will go in back to prep it, there will probably be a chair for you to wait in.
3. Getting the actual shot - they'll swab your upper arm with alcohol, inject the vaccine, tape a bit of gauze over it or possibly a little band-aid, and you're done. It's not complicated enough for there to be a serious screw-up, I don't think. They don't need to find a vein or anything. Once they're ready to go, the whole thing takes less than a minute.
4. This year I did have a bit of reaction - about a day or so later, I felt headachey and like a cold was coming on. Lasted maybe two days, tops? It's the only time I've had a reaction in the past ten years or so, and it was mildly annoying at worst.
posted by restless_nomad at 11:37 AM on January 30, 2020 [4 favorites]
2. I've gotten them done at pharmacies several times. You go to the pharmacy window in the back, tell them you want a flu shot. They'll look up your insurance and make sure it's covered. (I have, in the past, been told that my insurance only covers it via a doctor's office - ymmv.) The person administering it will go in back to prep it, there will probably be a chair for you to wait in.
3. Getting the actual shot - they'll swab your upper arm with alcohol, inject the vaccine, tape a bit of gauze over it or possibly a little band-aid, and you're done. It's not complicated enough for there to be a serious screw-up, I don't think. They don't need to find a vein or anything. Once they're ready to go, the whole thing takes less than a minute.
4. This year I did have a bit of reaction - about a day or so later, I felt headachey and like a cold was coming on. Lasted maybe two days, tops? It's the only time I've had a reaction in the past ten years or so, and it was mildly annoying at worst.
posted by restless_nomad at 11:37 AM on January 30, 2020 [4 favorites]
My experience: I told the pharmacist I wanted flu shots for myself and my daughter. He gave me a sheet of paper to fill out - who I was, medical details, allergies, stuff like that. When he was ready, we went into the consulting room beside the pharmacy counter. I lifted my sleeve up past my shoulder. (Note: It's useful to have a shirt on that gives easy access to the shoulder.) He wiped my shoulder with alcohol and then injected the vaccine. It was into the muscle, so he didn't have to be super-accurate and find a vein or anything like that. (That's probably why they don't need to have trained nurses doing it - as long as they get it in the general area it's okay.)
Then I held my daughter's hand while she got the injection. She counted to five while it was happening so that she'd know it was all done.
The pharmacist then asked us to wait around the store for 20 minutes or so to make sure we didn't have any kind of negative reaction. We didn't have any reaction, so I checked back in with the pharmacist to let him know we were okay, and then went home.
posted by clawsoon at 11:37 AM on January 30, 2020
Then I held my daughter's hand while she got the injection. She counted to five while it was happening so that she'd know it was all done.
The pharmacist then asked us to wait around the store for 20 minutes or so to make sure we didn't have any kind of negative reaction. We didn't have any reaction, so I checked back in with the pharmacist to let him know we were okay, and then went home.
posted by clawsoon at 11:37 AM on January 30, 2020
You are going to be amazed at what a nonevent this is!!
If you don’t have any other health issues, go to a drugstore for the convenience and cost effectiveness. The shot will be administered by a pharmacist (most of whom have doctoral degrees) and the needle and vaccine will be in sterile packaging. You could also go to a Target or most grocery stores if one of those feels less dingy and distressing.
You can eat whatever whenever. Your arm might be a little sore for the next day. Sometimes people say the shot makes them tired, but that’s probably more because they expect it to than anything.
You are doing an awesome thing for yourself and the people around you!
posted by jeoc at 11:37 AM on January 30, 2020 [24 favorites]
If you don’t have any other health issues, go to a drugstore for the convenience and cost effectiveness. The shot will be administered by a pharmacist (most of whom have doctoral degrees) and the needle and vaccine will be in sterile packaging. You could also go to a Target or most grocery stores if one of those feels less dingy and distressing.
You can eat whatever whenever. Your arm might be a little sore for the next day. Sometimes people say the shot makes them tired, but that’s probably more because they expect it to than anything.
You are doing an awesome thing for yourself and the people around you!
posted by jeoc at 11:37 AM on January 30, 2020 [24 favorites]
I get a flu shot every year.
Do you have an HMO? if so, there's probably a "flu shot clinic", by which they mean you show up with your ID, get your shot, and are out of there in 3 minutes, and it's for free, no matter how crappy your insurance is, because it's "preventative."
If you don't have an HMO or it's not convenient, the dingy Rite Aid has served me really well. The flu shot area has been clean and in any case you really only care about the cleanliness of the shot and the person doing the injection. The last time I got a flu shot at one, which was actually, it was a CVS, it took about 15 minutes because only certain people are licensed to give it and they had to roust the proper woman out from the back. It cost about $25-30 last time.
The shot itself hardly hurts, in my experience, but it's always super creepy to let someone deliberately stick you with something. If I think of it as a scratch from a rose bush, it's helpful to me. Rose bush scratches are far more painful.
After effects seem to vary year by year. I didn't feel at all sick after mine this year, though I got it done on my day off just in case. The injection site itself felt very bruised the next day and that lasted for 4-5 days, which is longer than in the past. If you wave your arm around regularly it helps. After the first day I didn't notice the "bruise" unless I rolled over onto that shoulder in bed, but still, it lingered longer than the 2 or so days that I expected. I still worked out and all that- it didn't get in my way.
posted by small_ruminant at 11:38 AM on January 30, 2020
Do you have an HMO? if so, there's probably a "flu shot clinic", by which they mean you show up with your ID, get your shot, and are out of there in 3 minutes, and it's for free, no matter how crappy your insurance is, because it's "preventative."
If you don't have an HMO or it's not convenient, the dingy Rite Aid has served me really well. The flu shot area has been clean and in any case you really only care about the cleanliness of the shot and the person doing the injection. The last time I got a flu shot at one, which was actually, it was a CVS, it took about 15 minutes because only certain people are licensed to give it and they had to roust the proper woman out from the back. It cost about $25-30 last time.
The shot itself hardly hurts, in my experience, but it's always super creepy to let someone deliberately stick you with something. If I think of it as a scratch from a rose bush, it's helpful to me. Rose bush scratches are far more painful.
After effects seem to vary year by year. I didn't feel at all sick after mine this year, though I got it done on my day off just in case. The injection site itself felt very bruised the next day and that lasted for 4-5 days, which is longer than in the past. If you wave your arm around regularly it helps. After the first day I didn't notice the "bruise" unless I rolled over onto that shoulder in bed, but still, it lingered longer than the 2 or so days that I expected. I still worked out and all that- it didn't get in my way.
posted by small_ruminant at 11:38 AM on January 30, 2020
It does hurt so utilise any technique you use when you get shots. For me, I try to make my mind blank and stare off at a far off point. I take a deep breath in and slowly breathe out as they inject the site. I also squeeze my thigh with the opposite hand of the arm that is getting the shot. That helps my focus on a different sensation on my body. But the arm that’s getting shot should stay relaxed so don’t do this if you can’t flex one arm and not the other!
For a flu shot in particular, I read somewhere about moving the arm around to help prevent your arm from becoming sore. I don’t know how true it is but I do this and it seems to help me. Just some rotations of the arm, pumping it up and down , for like the next 5-10 mins.
posted by like_neon at 11:39 AM on January 30, 2020
For a flu shot in particular, I read somewhere about moving the arm around to help prevent your arm from becoming sore. I don’t know how true it is but I do this and it seems to help me. Just some rotations of the arm, pumping it up and down , for like the next 5-10 mins.
posted by like_neon at 11:39 AM on January 30, 2020
The shot will probably be in your upper arm - they should offer you the choice of left or right. Your arm may be slightly sore afterward, or it may not!
But anyway - wear something that will give access to your upper arm - a tee shirt with a cardigan or sweatshirt that you can take off, a shirt with loose sleeves that roll well.
You can get them at the Target pharmacy usually, and that's generally not dingy even if it's a bit generic.
I've had the flu shot every year for a while and the worst I ever got was feeling a very slight soreness in my arm or feeling a bit tired that evening. Plan to take it a bit easy tonight, have a favorite food for dinner, go to bed early, etc.
Remember that anyone administering the flu shot has virtually certainly administered it a bazillion times and is very familiar with how to do it.
posted by Frowner at 11:39 AM on January 30, 2020 [2 favorites]
But anyway - wear something that will give access to your upper arm - a tee shirt with a cardigan or sweatshirt that you can take off, a shirt with loose sleeves that roll well.
You can get them at the Target pharmacy usually, and that's generally not dingy even if it's a bit generic.
I've had the flu shot every year for a while and the worst I ever got was feeling a very slight soreness in my arm or feeling a bit tired that evening. Plan to take it a bit easy tonight, have a favorite food for dinner, go to bed early, etc.
Remember that anyone administering the flu shot has virtually certainly administered it a bazillion times and is very familiar with how to do it.
posted by Frowner at 11:39 AM on January 30, 2020 [2 favorites]
Best answer: I'd say go to the drugstore, save the money!
Do you have specific concerns about how they could possibly mess it up?
It might help to literally write down your SPECIFIC concerns, and then see if you can find solutions.
Here are some (unlikely) ways they could mess it up:
- They could inject the wrong substance.
Solution: You could ask to see the vaccine and needle in their sealed packages beforehand, and read the labels.
- They could get the needle dirty.
Solution: You can watch them remove the needle from the package, and if you feel sterility has been breached (say, they drop it on the floor), just ask for a new needle. That would be standard practice anyway, so it wouldn't be weird.
- Your arm could be dirty.
Solution: They will swab the injection site with alcohol or similar before injecting.
- The provider might have a mannerism that makes you feel uncomfortable.
Solution: you could say, "I know this is unreasonable but I actually have anxiety about injections, pain, sterility, infection, and after effects. Would you be able to help me by narrating what you're doing, to help me feel safe and comfortable with these concerns?" If the provider seems like this doesn't work for them, just say "You know what, today's not the day" or "Oops I forgot I have a dental appointment" or whatever - and just leave!
It sounds like you have a lot of generalized uncertainty and anxiety about it.
It really helps to NAME your fears. Specifically put them into words. "I'm nervous that the needle might be dirty and I could get an infection or illness." Then you can research what conditions ensure needle sterility, and just monitor the appointment for those conditions.
I bet you'll find that you only have a handful of specific fears about this procedure, naming them will actually make them seem less scary, AND, you can probably find straightforward ways to reassure yourself about almost all of them.
posted by pseudostrabismus at 11:39 AM on January 30, 2020 [9 favorites]
Do you have specific concerns about how they could possibly mess it up?
It might help to literally write down your SPECIFIC concerns, and then see if you can find solutions.
Here are some (unlikely) ways they could mess it up:
- They could inject the wrong substance.
Solution: You could ask to see the vaccine and needle in their sealed packages beforehand, and read the labels.
- They could get the needle dirty.
Solution: You can watch them remove the needle from the package, and if you feel sterility has been breached (say, they drop it on the floor), just ask for a new needle. That would be standard practice anyway, so it wouldn't be weird.
- Your arm could be dirty.
Solution: They will swab the injection site with alcohol or similar before injecting.
- The provider might have a mannerism that makes you feel uncomfortable.
Solution: you could say, "I know this is unreasonable but I actually have anxiety about injections, pain, sterility, infection, and after effects. Would you be able to help me by narrating what you're doing, to help me feel safe and comfortable with these concerns?" If the provider seems like this doesn't work for them, just say "You know what, today's not the day" or "Oops I forgot I have a dental appointment" or whatever - and just leave!
It sounds like you have a lot of generalized uncertainty and anxiety about it.
It really helps to NAME your fears. Specifically put them into words. "I'm nervous that the needle might be dirty and I could get an infection or illness." Then you can research what conditions ensure needle sterility, and just monitor the appointment for those conditions.
I bet you'll find that you only have a handful of specific fears about this procedure, naming them will actually make them seem less scary, AND, you can probably find straightforward ways to reassure yourself about almost all of them.
posted by pseudostrabismus at 11:39 AM on January 30, 2020 [9 favorites]
I've gotten mine at a pharmacy before. They had a little back alcove (not really a room, but a corner with a curtain) set up for the purpose. I was in and out in under five minutes, and the whole process was very easy. Wear loose clothing, so it's easy to roll up your sleeves, because you might not have real privacy and you don't want to have to disrobe in public to give the nurse access to your upper arm.
My arm was a bit sore, but no worse than if I'd just worked out a bit too hard. Like others have said, take some ibuprofen or tylenol and you'll be golden.
posted by backwards compatible at 11:40 AM on January 30, 2020 [1 favorite]
My arm was a bit sore, but no worse than if I'd just worked out a bit too hard. Like others have said, take some ibuprofen or tylenol and you'll be golden.
posted by backwards compatible at 11:40 AM on January 30, 2020 [1 favorite]
Relax your arm and shoulder while they do the shot to help minimize the soreness.
posted by sageleaf at 11:40 AM on January 30, 2020 [3 favorites]
posted by sageleaf at 11:40 AM on January 30, 2020 [3 favorites]
I always get my flu shots at the pharmacy, and have never had any problems beyond waiting for a pharmacist to be available. Here's how the process generally goes:
1. You go up to the counter and say you'd like to get a flu shot. They will give you some paperwork to fill out, nothing too long or detailed, just a single-page form, and they'll take your insurance information. They'll also likely ask you if you currently have a cold; you shouldn't get a flu shot if you're currently ill.
2. You return the form, and handle any payment for the flu shot if necessary.
3. You wait until the pharmacist calls you up for your shot. This part varies depending on the pharmacy, but either they'll have a little window or a small exam room where they'll administer the shot.
4. In my experience, the shot itself isn't painful. Just a pinch or sting, if I feel it at all, then they slap a bandaid on it.
5. Your arm may be a little sore for the next day or so. You may also feel vaguely blah, like you're tired. Some people develop a slight fever or get a little achy.
I don't think you need to worry about eating beforehand or anything. I try to make sure I'm properly hydrated before and after, but I don't think there's any particular benefit to this beyond the general benefits of staying hydrated.
posted by yasaman at 11:40 AM on January 30, 2020 [1 favorite]
1. You go up to the counter and say you'd like to get a flu shot. They will give you some paperwork to fill out, nothing too long or detailed, just a single-page form, and they'll take your insurance information. They'll also likely ask you if you currently have a cold; you shouldn't get a flu shot if you're currently ill.
2. You return the form, and handle any payment for the flu shot if necessary.
3. You wait until the pharmacist calls you up for your shot. This part varies depending on the pharmacy, but either they'll have a little window or a small exam room where they'll administer the shot.
4. In my experience, the shot itself isn't painful. Just a pinch or sting, if I feel it at all, then they slap a bandaid on it.
5. Your arm may be a little sore for the next day or so. You may also feel vaguely blah, like you're tired. Some people develop a slight fever or get a little achy.
I don't think you need to worry about eating beforehand or anything. I try to make sure I'm properly hydrated before and after, but I don't think there's any particular benefit to this beyond the general benefits of staying hydrated.
posted by yasaman at 11:40 AM on January 30, 2020 [1 favorite]
Best answer: Hiya, vaccine developer here. Good for you for taking the plunge.
You don't need to change anything before or after--eat, drink, and be merry. You *might* want to lay off taking NSAIDs (Tylenol, Advil, etc.) for a few days/a week/however long you care to) because there's some slight evidence that it might interfere with your immune system mounting an immune response as fully as it can, but honestly the effect measure here is small so don't worry about it.
Your arm may be sore to pressure for 2-3 days, but it will fade quickly. You might feel a little tired as your immune system mounts its response, but most people don't notice a thing. Nothing will make a hopital worried, especially if you tell them that you just got your first flu shot. They might high five you.
You can get flu shots just about anywhere--including your local pharmacy--and they're all fine. One thing you might want to request (especially if you're skinny/don't have much fat padding your shoulder) is that they use the short needle. But in 99.99% of cases that's not going to make any difference.
posted by late afternoon dreaming hotel at 11:40 AM on January 30, 2020 [15 favorites]
You don't need to change anything before or after--eat, drink, and be merry. You *might* want to lay off taking NSAIDs (Tylenol, Advil, etc.) for a few days/a week/however long you care to) because there's some slight evidence that it might interfere with your immune system mounting an immune response as fully as it can, but honestly the effect measure here is small so don't worry about it.
Your arm may be sore to pressure for 2-3 days, but it will fade quickly. You might feel a little tired as your immune system mounts its response, but most people don't notice a thing. Nothing will make a hopital worried, especially if you tell them that you just got your first flu shot. They might high five you.
You can get flu shots just about anywhere--including your local pharmacy--and they're all fine. One thing you might want to request (especially if you're skinny/don't have much fat padding your shoulder) is that they use the short needle. But in 99.99% of cases that's not going to make any difference.
posted by late afternoon dreaming hotel at 11:40 AM on January 30, 2020 [15 favorites]
I'd recommend calling wherever you want to go in advance to make sure they actually have them in stock. I had a difficult time finding a place that had them when I wanted it done this season, which was really frustrating. I was perfectly fine with getting it done at the drug store or supermarket pharmacy, but they were all out.
I only got my first flu shot last year. I have an allergy that made me afraid to get them until I met doctors and nurses who could definitively tell me the shot would not cause an issue for me. Last year I got my shot at the CVS MinuteClinic inside our local Target, and that was perfectly fine. This year I ended up getting it done at my doctor's office during an appointment for something else, and that was also fine.
The shot itself doesn't hurt (in my experience anyway). I experienced no side effects except for a little soreness in the shoulder where it was given, which lingered for a few days.
posted by bananana at 11:42 AM on January 30, 2020 [1 favorite]
I only got my first flu shot last year. I have an allergy that made me afraid to get them until I met doctors and nurses who could definitively tell me the shot would not cause an issue for me. Last year I got my shot at the CVS MinuteClinic inside our local Target, and that was perfectly fine. This year I ended up getting it done at my doctor's office during an appointment for something else, and that was also fine.
The shot itself doesn't hurt (in my experience anyway). I experienced no side effects except for a little soreness in the shoulder where it was given, which lingered for a few days.
posted by bananana at 11:42 AM on January 30, 2020 [1 favorite]
I grew up in an anti-vax home (fortunately my mom realized she was anti-vax after I'd had most of my vaccines), and as an adult finished my course of vaccines and now get an annual flu shot.
I've had my flu shot at my doctor's office, at a Rite-Aid clinic that came to my apartment building, at a pharmacy in a grocery store, and at a standalone pharmacy (CVS).
My best experience was at a CVS. Perhaps it's because the pharmacists are giving out SO many flu shots that it's basically their specialty during flu season. I had to wait the same amount of time everywhere (except the rite-aid clinic), it was always covered by my insurance, and the only reactions I ever had were warmth/pain/mild swelling at the injection site, which is normal.
I'm not a fan of needles, but it's about the pain level of a mosquito bite.
Ask them for an info sheet so you can look at the section of "when to call your doctor" side effects -- they are incredibly rare, but if it's been a while since you had any vaccines it wouldn't hurt to reacquaint yourself with them.
posted by DoubleLune at 11:51 AM on January 30, 2020 [3 favorites]
I've had my flu shot at my doctor's office, at a Rite-Aid clinic that came to my apartment building, at a pharmacy in a grocery store, and at a standalone pharmacy (CVS).
My best experience was at a CVS. Perhaps it's because the pharmacists are giving out SO many flu shots that it's basically their specialty during flu season. I had to wait the same amount of time everywhere (except the rite-aid clinic), it was always covered by my insurance, and the only reactions I ever had were warmth/pain/mild swelling at the injection site, which is normal.
I'm not a fan of needles, but it's about the pain level of a mosquito bite.
Ask them for an info sheet so you can look at the section of "when to call your doctor" side effects -- they are incredibly rare, but if it's been a while since you had any vaccines it wouldn't hurt to reacquaint yourself with them.
posted by DoubleLune at 11:51 AM on January 30, 2020 [3 favorites]
I agree with everyone above, and would note that my vote would be for going to a pharmacy rather than an urgent care because I think the biggest "risk" with a flu shot this time of year is catching a virus from someone else in the waiting room. Urgent care is nearly guaranteed to have at least some infectious people either in the waiting room or who were there earlier in the day, whereas the pharmacy is slightly less likely (although obviously sick people visit the pharmacy often too; I just tell myself it's less likely to be folks with the really infectious respiratory viral illnesses since there aren't meds for that).
Either way, I'd be very vigilant about washing my hands immediately after leaving wherever I got the shot, and doing the thorough, "scrub through a whole round of the ABC song" wash. And I'd be careful to not touch my face with my hands the entire time I was there. That really holds for anytime you visit a store with a pharmacy, though!
posted by iminurmefi at 11:53 AM on January 30, 2020 [8 favorites]
Either way, I'd be very vigilant about washing my hands immediately after leaving wherever I got the shot, and doing the thorough, "scrub through a whole round of the ABC song" wash. And I'd be careful to not touch my face with my hands the entire time I was there. That really holds for anytime you visit a store with a pharmacy, though!
posted by iminurmefi at 11:53 AM on January 30, 2020 [8 favorites]
Great idea! If you go to a pharmacy, they are drug experts, drug storage experts, and are trained to give vaccinations. I have had vaccinations at pharmacies and been pleased with the care I received.
If you feel crappy in a day or 2, you don't have flu, but you have have enough flu proteins for your body to ramp up the immune system and make antibodies. This is exactly what should happen.
When I get shots, I consciously relax my shoulders because that's where my stress piles up, and usually they get the jab in before I'm done. You deal with the brief ouch by reminding yourself that you are protecting yourself, old people, babies, and people with compromised immune systems - Hey, you're kind of a Hero! OK,I'm being cheesy, but it's still true.
Please come back and say how it went.
posted by theora55 at 11:54 AM on January 30, 2020 [3 favorites]
If you feel crappy in a day or 2, you don't have flu, but you have have enough flu proteins for your body to ramp up the immune system and make antibodies. This is exactly what should happen.
When I get shots, I consciously relax my shoulders because that's where my stress piles up, and usually they get the jab in before I'm done. You deal with the brief ouch by reminding yourself that you are protecting yourself, old people, babies, and people with compromised immune systems - Hey, you're kind of a Hero! OK,I'm being cheesy, but it's still true.
Please come back and say how it went.
posted by theora55 at 11:54 AM on January 30, 2020 [3 favorites]
Got mine at a CVS just a few days ago. Cost was $0 with my health insurance. After filling out paperwork they asked me to wait a few minutes then someone came out to meet me at the waiting area (no back office, no back room) and administered the shot as described above. Alcohol wipe, tiniest of stings, over immediately. Arm was sore for about two days, zero other effects.
posted by komara at 11:58 AM on January 30, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by komara at 11:58 AM on January 30, 2020 [1 favorite]
Another vote for getting it done at the pharmacy -- similar to DoubleLune, the best shots I've ever had have been the ones done by a pharmacist at a busy pharmacy. I think the sheer numbers of shots they give is so much practice that they are awesome at it.
I'm so glad you are doing this!
posted by fiercecupcake at 11:58 AM on January 30, 2020
I'm so glad you are doing this!
posted by fiercecupcake at 11:58 AM on January 30, 2020
It's totally fine to have it done at a pharmacy (standalone or inside a big box store) if that's less expensive for you. I had mine done at a Walmart this year and the pharmacist said he'd administered some absurdly high number of vaccines in the last year, like two thousand or something.
This might be a big first for you, but for the person giving you the shot it's a very routine part of their job that they have done many many times before, for all kinds of patients. I guarantee you will not be the most nervous patient they see this week.
The only tip I have is to wear a shirt that makes it easy to expose your upper arm. Like a T-shirt, or something with short sleeves that you can slide up comfortably. Go for it, and be proud of yourself!
posted by beandip at 12:03 PM on January 30, 2020 [3 favorites]
This might be a big first for you, but for the person giving you the shot it's a very routine part of their job that they have done many many times before, for all kinds of patients. I guarantee you will not be the most nervous patient they see this week.
The only tip I have is to wear a shirt that makes it easy to expose your upper arm. Like a T-shirt, or something with short sleeves that you can slide up comfortably. Go for it, and be proud of yourself!
posted by beandip at 12:03 PM on January 30, 2020 [3 favorites]
I had my 2018 shot at a pharmacy, and I was uncomfortable with the way it was handled. They seemed very unorganized which made me nervous. This year I went to an urgent care and it was just so much more professional.
As far as side effects, my arm usually gets sore within a few hours, and I might be more tired the next day. That's about it, though.
posted by Serene Empress Dork at 12:03 PM on January 30, 2020
As far as side effects, my arm usually gets sore within a few hours, and I might be more tired the next day. That's about it, though.
posted by Serene Empress Dork at 12:03 PM on January 30, 2020
I've found moving my arm around vigorously right after the shot (windmills, holding it up in the air) helps prevent soreness down the line. YMMV.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 12:07 PM on January 30, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 12:07 PM on January 30, 2020 [1 favorite]
It is closer to a literal punch in the arm* than a delicate medical procedure, in terms of what you need to do to prepare or be worried about. Meaning—if you were going into CVS to get a punch in the arm, you wouldn’t think about what you should eat or not and a lot of the other worries you have. It’s not even like drawing blood where you can see the medical person doing delicate, careful things. I’ve had the flu shot at a chaotic, not particularly clean Walgreens, at the doctor’s office, at work (!), etc and it’s the same experience everywhere: I usually tell the nurse or doctor that I’m scared of needles while making small talk, they swipe my upper arm with an alcohol rub (or whatever that is), quickly stick the needle in, and boom, it’s over. The only after-effects I’ve felt were a slight soreness from being punched in the arm.
*a gentle one, not a punch in the arm from The Rock
posted by sallybrown at 12:10 PM on January 30, 2020 [3 favorites]
*a gentle one, not a punch in the arm from The Rock
posted by sallybrown at 12:10 PM on January 30, 2020 [3 favorites]
if your are in the US and have health insurance, it will be free. if you do not have health insurance it will be around $40 in my experience.
the others have covered most everything else. but i will note that i get a bad headache afterword, which is not out of the realm of normal, and shouldn't freak you out if it happens.
posted by misanthropicsarah at 12:11 PM on January 30, 2020 [1 favorite]
the others have covered most everything else. but i will note that i get a bad headache afterword, which is not out of the realm of normal, and shouldn't freak you out if it happens.
posted by misanthropicsarah at 12:11 PM on January 30, 2020 [1 favorite]
I have heard from nurses at my workplace that it is better to have the flu shot administered in your dominant arm, because you will work the muscle in that arm more. That will make the vaccine spread more easily and, anecdotally, you will have less pain. I can't assess the validity of this but I do always get the shot in my dominant arm and I think it helps.
Also, sometimes the day of the shot or the day after, my face gets a bit hot and my body aches a bit. But that's it! I hope you don't have a similar reaction, but want to prepare you just in case you do--it doesn't mean the shot gave you the flu.
posted by zoetrope at 12:11 PM on January 30, 2020 [4 favorites]
Also, sometimes the day of the shot or the day after, my face gets a bit hot and my body aches a bit. But that's it! I hope you don't have a similar reaction, but want to prepare you just in case you do--it doesn't mean the shot gave you the flu.
posted by zoetrope at 12:11 PM on January 30, 2020 [4 favorites]
This year I had a bit of a reaction like restless_nomad's, felt kind of draggy for a day then after that I was fine. This was the first time I'd felt any reaction from a flu shot, mostly it's get jabbed then go on about my normal business.
posted by Greg_Ace at 12:13 PM on January 30, 2020
posted by Greg_Ace at 12:13 PM on January 30, 2020
Just wanted to nth the "go to your local pharmacy" route—they give so many flu shots that they tend to be VERY practiced at knocking them out efficiently and professionally.
At Rite Aid, the process is typically: you go to the pharmacy counter, ask for a flu shot, they'll have you fill out a quick form, and then you wait for the pharmacist to call you back into the little exam room* to administer the shot. The pharmacist will have you take off any long sleeves so your arm is free and clear, put on some gloves, give you a little alcohol swab, take the syringe out of the plastic, and administer the shot. They may or may not rub your arm a bit afterwards.
In my experience, they usually do not do a follow-up swab or give you a bandage because the needle used in flu shot injections is so tiny that the chance of infection is very low, but I'm certain they'd provide either or both of those things if you asked.
I've had flu shots in the past that barely felt like anything at all, but the shot I had a few months ago (I say not to scare you, but to prepare you) did sting a little worse than other flu shots I've had in the past. Not sure if that's to do with what's in the vaccine this season or a less seasoned pharmacist, but the injection site was sore like a bruise for a few days. I didn't feel tired though. Some other years, I've felt a little fatigue the next day or so and nothing more.
*This is assuming the pharmacy has a little exam room. I went into a Rite Aid once that did NOT have a little exam room. In that case, they brought everything out from the back in a little plastic tray and gave me my flu shot right there in the waiting room. All other sanitary precautions were taken and it went fine, but if that idea does not sit well with you, it would definitely be worth asking first if your pharmacy has a little exam room or not.
posted by helloimjennsco at 12:17 PM on January 30, 2020
At Rite Aid, the process is typically: you go to the pharmacy counter, ask for a flu shot, they'll have you fill out a quick form, and then you wait for the pharmacist to call you back into the little exam room* to administer the shot. The pharmacist will have you take off any long sleeves so your arm is free and clear, put on some gloves, give you a little alcohol swab, take the syringe out of the plastic, and administer the shot. They may or may not rub your arm a bit afterwards.
In my experience, they usually do not do a follow-up swab or give you a bandage because the needle used in flu shot injections is so tiny that the chance of infection is very low, but I'm certain they'd provide either or both of those things if you asked.
I've had flu shots in the past that barely felt like anything at all, but the shot I had a few months ago (I say not to scare you, but to prepare you) did sting a little worse than other flu shots I've had in the past. Not sure if that's to do with what's in the vaccine this season or a less seasoned pharmacist, but the injection site was sore like a bruise for a few days. I didn't feel tired though. Some other years, I've felt a little fatigue the next day or so and nothing more.
*This is assuming the pharmacy has a little exam room. I went into a Rite Aid once that did NOT have a little exam room. In that case, they brought everything out from the back in a little plastic tray and gave me my flu shot right there in the waiting room. All other sanitary precautions were taken and it went fine, but if that idea does not sit well with you, it would definitely be worth asking first if your pharmacy has a little exam room or not.
posted by helloimjennsco at 12:17 PM on January 30, 2020
I'm a person with all kinds of anxiety about needles, I avoided flu shots for many years, and now I get them regularly.
One thing you should know is that the professionals who give flu shots have seen EVERYTHING, and will be perfectly fine with you communicating your anxiety or asking questions. For about 5 years, I always asked if I could lie down while getting the shot, because I had a propensity to faint, and it was always totally fine and not weird. It actually worked as sort of an icebreaker that made me feel more comfortable with the providers. Also because they are professionals, they are very good at giving these shots. It will be fast, and it will hurt only a very small amount, especially if you find something else to focus on while they're doing it. I always ask the provider to tell me about their weekend and then ask LOTS of follow-up questions.
posted by juliapangolin at 12:18 PM on January 30, 2020 [2 favorites]
One thing you should know is that the professionals who give flu shots have seen EVERYTHING, and will be perfectly fine with you communicating your anxiety or asking questions. For about 5 years, I always asked if I could lie down while getting the shot, because I had a propensity to faint, and it was always totally fine and not weird. It actually worked as sort of an icebreaker that made me feel more comfortable with the providers. Also because they are professionals, they are very good at giving these shots. It will be fast, and it will hurt only a very small amount, especially if you find something else to focus on while they're doing it. I always ask the provider to tell me about their weekend and then ask LOTS of follow-up questions.
posted by juliapangolin at 12:18 PM on January 30, 2020 [2 favorites]
I was SUPER anxious about getting my flu shot this year. The things that helped:
I went to a pharmacy that let me pre-fill out all the paperwork online and bring it in with me (Rexall in Canada), so I didn't need to be there any longer than I needed to be.
I brought a friend who really kindly teased me and made jokes the entire time so that I couldn't focus on the needle/what was happening.
I told the pharmacist I was nervous and she reassured me it would be no big deal.
I absolutely 100% did not look at the needle at all. I faced a wall so I couldn't see it.
I bought myself candy after.
I honestly didn't know whether I'd be able to go through with it, and with these things in place it was fine.
posted by Sweetchrysanthemum at 12:22 PM on January 30, 2020 [2 favorites]
I went to a pharmacy that let me pre-fill out all the paperwork online and bring it in with me (Rexall in Canada), so I didn't need to be there any longer than I needed to be.
I brought a friend who really kindly teased me and made jokes the entire time so that I couldn't focus on the needle/what was happening.
I told the pharmacist I was nervous and she reassured me it would be no big deal.
I absolutely 100% did not look at the needle at all. I faced a wall so I couldn't see it.
I bought myself candy after.
I honestly didn't know whether I'd be able to go through with it, and with these things in place it was fine.
posted by Sweetchrysanthemum at 12:22 PM on January 30, 2020 [2 favorites]
If there are any ZoomCare or other doc-in-a-box type storefronts in your community, that's a good alternative to either urgent care or the pharmacy. My experience with getting shots in pharmacies has been fine, they take you to a room back in the pharmacy area and it has been as clean as the rest of the pharmacy, which is to say very clean. But the doc in a box will feel more like a doctor's office, and less stressful than urgent care.
Getting a needle poke hurts a bit but it only takes half a second. If you are sore, ask for a cold pack to put on it for a few minutes afterwards.
posted by matildaben at 12:25 PM on January 30, 2020
Getting a needle poke hurts a bit but it only takes half a second. If you are sore, ask for a cold pack to put on it for a few minutes afterwards.
posted by matildaben at 12:25 PM on January 30, 2020
It's so easy, and after you will feel like a superhero for doing it! (It may be that I have very low standards for myself, but I don't care about that: the more opportunity, be it credible or not, that I can find to go around feeling like I'm an awesome human being, the better.)
One thing I noticed during my campaign to get my boyfriend to get his flu shot was that Publix was offering free Publix gift cards for anybody who got a flu shot at their pharmacy. You might keep an eye out for places offering fun premiums. It isn't fair that we stop getting lollipops when we get shots just because we grow up. If nobody's giving out lollipops, then definitely get the cheapest available.
(The grocery store gift card thing didn't work on my boyfriend, but then it finally occurred to me to guilt trip him about visiting his elderly parents without first having gone and got his shot. He became a superhero that same day!)
posted by Don Pepino at 12:28 PM on January 30, 2020 [2 favorites]
One thing I noticed during my campaign to get my boyfriend to get his flu shot was that Publix was offering free Publix gift cards for anybody who got a flu shot at their pharmacy. You might keep an eye out for places offering fun premiums. It isn't fair that we stop getting lollipops when we get shots just because we grow up. If nobody's giving out lollipops, then definitely get the cheapest available.
(The grocery store gift card thing didn't work on my boyfriend, but then it finally occurred to me to guilt trip him about visiting his elderly parents without first having gone and got his shot. He became a superhero that same day!)
posted by Don Pepino at 12:28 PM on January 30, 2020 [2 favorites]
Since drugstore skeeviness is triggering your anxiety a little (I get it, most of mine are a little shabby as well), you might prefer a CVS inside Target, if you have a good Target that has a pharmacy (I have one with the fresh remodel that's pretty nice, and one that still looks creepy).
But I'm getting mailers from every urgent care nearby, so I think that's likely a little bit more comforting option for you. The trick is to call and ask when they're slowest - I'm gonna guess the hour or so after traditional lunchtime before schools start letting out - and tell them you're just getting a flu shot. They may very well say "download and fill out the form on our website, bring it in ready to go with your insurance card at any time, we'll let you jump the line and then ask you to sit in the waiting room for 20 minutes before you check out and leave."
You might also check your local city website and see if they do shot clinics. Sometimes they are in storefronts and sometimes in one of those high-tech clinic vans. I think those people give more injections than anyone else, you're likely to get an expert.
Note: RiteAid has their form online so you can fill it out in advance, I believe Walgreens and CVS do too, if you want to go that route and also minimize your paperwork time.
Absolutely tell them you have injection anxiety, they've probably got a few tricks up their sleeves to help you. Also feel free to bring something with you to self-soothe - watch funny animal videos on your phone, put in one earbud and play a favorite song (or, you know, an 80s power ballad from a training montage, to make you brave), something to fidget with your free hand, whatever will help you. Take a friend if you need to. Absolutely buy yourself a treat after.
posted by Lyn Never at 12:30 PM on January 30, 2020 [1 favorite]
But I'm getting mailers from every urgent care nearby, so I think that's likely a little bit more comforting option for you. The trick is to call and ask when they're slowest - I'm gonna guess the hour or so after traditional lunchtime before schools start letting out - and tell them you're just getting a flu shot. They may very well say "download and fill out the form on our website, bring it in ready to go with your insurance card at any time, we'll let you jump the line and then ask you to sit in the waiting room for 20 minutes before you check out and leave."
You might also check your local city website and see if they do shot clinics. Sometimes they are in storefronts and sometimes in one of those high-tech clinic vans. I think those people give more injections than anyone else, you're likely to get an expert.
Note: RiteAid has their form online so you can fill it out in advance, I believe Walgreens and CVS do too, if you want to go that route and also minimize your paperwork time.
Absolutely tell them you have injection anxiety, they've probably got a few tricks up their sleeves to help you. Also feel free to bring something with you to self-soothe - watch funny animal videos on your phone, put in one earbud and play a favorite song (or, you know, an 80s power ballad from a training montage, to make you brave), something to fidget with your free hand, whatever will help you. Take a friend if you need to. Absolutely buy yourself a treat after.
posted by Lyn Never at 12:30 PM on January 30, 2020 [1 favorite]
i did mine at an urgent care, it was free, and they gave me a jolly rancher afterwards bc i said "by law i get candy now right".
posted by poffin boffin at 12:30 PM on January 30, 2020 [10 favorites]
posted by poffin boffin at 12:30 PM on January 30, 2020 [10 favorites]
watermelon, if that matters
posted by poffin boffin at 12:30 PM on January 30, 2020 [9 favorites]
posted by poffin boffin at 12:30 PM on January 30, 2020 [9 favorites]
wow I didn't see anyone give the only real tip I know, which is this: make your arm floopsy soft. Pretend you're a doll or asleep. Just let it dangle.
Do NOT be a hero, presenting your arm to the technician. If your arm muscles are flexed at all, it will hurt, and hurt afterwards. Floopsy limp soft doll arms do not hurt, and you will forget all about the shot after.
posted by fingersandtoes at 12:31 PM on January 30, 2020 [6 favorites]
Do NOT be a hero, presenting your arm to the technician. If your arm muscles are flexed at all, it will hurt, and hurt afterwards. Floopsy limp soft doll arms do not hurt, and you will forget all about the shot after.
posted by fingersandtoes at 12:31 PM on January 30, 2020 [6 favorites]
Good for you for taking care of your health!!!
I go to Walgreens for mine. It’s free with my insurance. You can make an appointment online, or just walk in. You can also print out the simple one-page form and fill it out at home if you wish. At my Walgreens they have a small enclosed cubicle where they give the shot. As many folks already said, they do this ALL THE TIME and are very good at it! Looking away can help if you’re uneasy about shots. Letting your arm relax and hang limp is best. Expect to hang around for 15 minutes or so to make sure there’s no reaction, which is rare ( I spend the time shopping!) and then leave and go about your day.
Again, good for you! You’ve got this!
posted by bookmammal at 12:49 PM on January 30, 2020 [1 favorite]
I go to Walgreens for mine. It’s free with my insurance. You can make an appointment online, or just walk in. You can also print out the simple one-page form and fill it out at home if you wish. At my Walgreens they have a small enclosed cubicle where they give the shot. As many folks already said, they do this ALL THE TIME and are very good at it! Looking away can help if you’re uneasy about shots. Letting your arm relax and hang limp is best. Expect to hang around for 15 minutes or so to make sure there’s no reaction, which is rare ( I spend the time shopping!) and then leave and go about your day.
Again, good for you! You’ve got this!
posted by bookmammal at 12:49 PM on January 30, 2020 [1 favorite]
I've gotten shots (measles, in my case) at the local Rite-Aid and would cheerfully do so again. However, it's certainly a more public and less medical-seeming experience, and given that you have a lot of anxiety around this, if you're willing to make a bit of a time/money tradeoff for a more predictably medical-office-y experience, that would be a really reasonable thing to do. You could save the drugstore walk-in flu shot experience for next year, when you will be an old pro at this.
The experience has been pretty well covered above but for one more point of view: In my experience, the flu shot feels like a brief sharp pinch. I prefer to look away since I'm just as happy never seeing a needle, but YMMV. Some years my arm is very mildly sore for a day or two, or I might feel a little sniffly for a day or two. Never anything longer-lasting or more severe than that. You absolutely should not end up exhibiting any symptoms that anyone else would notice without your telling them.
posted by Stacey at 12:59 PM on January 30, 2020 [1 favorite]
The experience has been pretty well covered above but for one more point of view: In my experience, the flu shot feels like a brief sharp pinch. I prefer to look away since I'm just as happy never seeing a needle, but YMMV. Some years my arm is very mildly sore for a day or two, or I might feel a little sniffly for a day or two. Never anything longer-lasting or more severe than that. You absolutely should not end up exhibiting any symptoms that anyone else would notice without your telling them.
posted by Stacey at 12:59 PM on January 30, 2020 [1 favorite]
My local Rite-Aid, and a Walgreens, both had small clinic rooms for vaccination injections. They were fine.
posted by amtho at 1:06 PM on January 30, 2020
posted by amtho at 1:06 PM on January 30, 2020
What everyone else says, only I will add that if you don't have insurance or if it's truly shitty insurance it may cost about $40 at Walgreens. They will make you sign a piece of paper with a list of scary and utterly unlikely side effects that you may experience (99.9% chance you won't) so you won't sue them. This will probably trip your anxiety; it did mine; but just keep on going and it will be over in a flash. Also, this year I had mine done at my dr's office, which is actually a sliding scale clinic of the kind that exist almost everywhere and it was a) free and b) took 5 minutes and c) I did not have to sign a list of possible side effects.
posted by mygothlaundry at 1:08 PM on January 30, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by mygothlaundry at 1:08 PM on January 30, 2020 [1 favorite]
The needle is extremely fine (that is, "fine" as in "very thin," not fine as in "no problem"). I can't recall getting a flu shot that hurt; in fact, I practically don't even know the nurse has done it until they tell me.
posted by holborne at 1:18 PM on January 30, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by holborne at 1:18 PM on January 30, 2020 [1 favorite]
I don't like needles but I've gotten a flu shot every year for the past 7 years. The past three years I've been to CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid and had decent experiences at all of them, and personally I've never really had a noticeable response beyond brief soreness.
Aside from trying to keep your arm loose during the injection, as mentioned above - I make a habit of looking away (I read something on my phone or whatever) long before the syringe comes out. If I don't see it and don't focus on the needle, I don't tense up in the same way when it's coming at me.
posted by needs more cowbell at 1:19 PM on January 30, 2020
Aside from trying to keep your arm loose during the injection, as mentioned above - I make a habit of looking away (I read something on my phone or whatever) long before the syringe comes out. If I don't see it and don't focus on the needle, I don't tense up in the same way when it's coming at me.
posted by needs more cowbell at 1:19 PM on January 30, 2020
Oh, I'll also add that I've fallen in love with CVS Minute Clinic. You make an appointment online so you don't have to wait around, and then fill out an on-line form when you get there. The one near me is clean and nice, and the nurse was lovely. So if you have a CVS Minute Clinic near you, I highly recommend it.
posted by holborne at 1:20 PM on January 30, 2020
posted by holborne at 1:20 PM on January 30, 2020
I get my flu shot at my county health department. I have gotten the vaccine at drugstores and that went fine, but getting it from a real nurse may make you feel better about it. Completely covered by my health insurance.
Another advantage is that they suggest other vaccinations you might need, like TDAP, or shingles. Also the super flu vaccine (fluzone?) for us old people.
The shot barely hurts (a lot less than getting the flu) and the after affects are not bad, possibly feeling a little funky for a day.
Also, probably not scientifically valid, but I have gotten fewer (almost none) colds since I started getting flu shots.
posted by H21 at 1:27 PM on January 30, 2020
Another advantage is that they suggest other vaccinations you might need, like TDAP, or shingles. Also the super flu vaccine (fluzone?) for us old people.
The shot barely hurts (a lot less than getting the flu) and the after affects are not bad, possibly feeling a little funky for a day.
Also, probably not scientifically valid, but I have gotten fewer (almost none) colds since I started getting flu shots.
posted by H21 at 1:27 PM on January 30, 2020
don't forget to remind them of the candy law
posted by poffin boffin at 1:28 PM on January 30, 2020 [7 favorites]
posted by poffin boffin at 1:28 PM on January 30, 2020 [7 favorites]
I hate needles, but have needed to get flu shots for the past few years. I've gotten them at my doctors office, at the Target Pharmacy, from people brought into my office, and the quality of care has never wavered. I present my non dominate arm, turn my head and blabber about something to distract myself, and feel a brief jolt. I get a band aid, roll my sleeve back down, and go about my day. Once I sit down its a two minute process tops, less if I remember to wear short sleeves.
I have gotten a very slight fever a few times, it's so mild it mostly just feels like I'm dragging few hours later. It's gone by the next day, so is any ache in my arm.
It's so much better then getting the flu, good luck!
posted by lepus at 1:35 PM on January 30, 2020 [1 favorite]
I have gotten a very slight fever a few times, it's so mild it mostly just feels like I'm dragging few hours later. It's gone by the next day, so is any ache in my arm.
It's so much better then getting the flu, good luck!
posted by lepus at 1:35 PM on January 30, 2020 [1 favorite]
For me, I try to make my mind blank and stare off at a far off point. I take a deep breath in and slowly breathe out as they inject the site
Close your eyes and think of something happy
(Yes, I linked to a kid's video, but it's actually great advice that I use myself.)
posted by slidell at 2:34 PM on January 30, 2020
Close your eyes and think of something happy
(Yes, I linked to a kid's video, but it's actually great advice that I use myself.)
posted by slidell at 2:34 PM on January 30, 2020
I’ve gotten all my latest vaccines (including shingles) at the Safeway while my husband did the grocery shopping. I’ve had very good experiences with the grocery store pharmacy.
I’m glad you are getting the flu shot - that’s a great promise to keep.
posted by hilaryjade at 2:46 PM on January 30, 2020 [2 favorites]
I’m glad you are getting the flu shot - that’s a great promise to keep.
posted by hilaryjade at 2:46 PM on January 30, 2020 [2 favorites]
What everyone else is saying, for sure. I'm very needle-nervous and the shot itself has been not scary at all. However I'll also add that personally when I get a flu shot, I experience about 80% of the symptoms of getting the flu in terms of a fever, body aches, and exhaustion. I know it's not actually making me sick, and my doctor has told me that's a good thing because it means my immune system is really good at ramping up the defenses. I seem to be unusual in having that reaction, but I wanted to put that out there in case you do experience more-than-average flu-like symptoms so you won't worry that it was a sign something bad has happened.
posted by past unusual at 3:27 PM on January 30, 2020
posted by past unusual at 3:27 PM on January 30, 2020
I've gotten flu shots at the grocery store, drug store, doctor's office, a company conference room and all were just fine. It helps me to look away too, and I've never had a shot-giver who wasn't kind and professional. My arm usually aches a little afterwards, but it goes away in a few hours. Sometimes they even have cool bandaids like Mickey Mouse or Star Wars.
The best place I got a flu shot was the Target Minute Clinic because they gave me a $5 gift card and I told the doctor I was going to use it to buy chocolate and she said "I think you should!" and I was all YOU ARE THE BEST DOCTOR EVER YOU JUST PRESCRIBED ME CHOCOLATE. But now I see she was just following Candy Law protocols.
posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 3:40 PM on January 30, 2020 [4 favorites]
The best place I got a flu shot was the Target Minute Clinic because they gave me a $5 gift card and I told the doctor I was going to use it to buy chocolate and she said "I think you should!" and I was all YOU ARE THE BEST DOCTOR EVER YOU JUST PRESCRIBED ME CHOCOLATE. But now I see she was just following Candy Law protocols.
posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 3:40 PM on January 30, 2020 [4 favorites]
I missed my workplace flu shot day, and my local pharmacy is a bit dingy, so I get it. But it was obvious how careful they were about ensuring a sterile procedure. Procedure is too big a word; it’s over before it starts. Pharmacists have tons of experience and amazing bedside manner. They gave me a Snoopy bandage and yes, pharmacies sell treats for after and bribing oneself works (candy, pens, deep conditioner, whatever your bag is.) So all in all, dinginess aside, I prefer the pharmacy route.
posted by kapers at 4:38 PM on January 30, 2020
posted by kapers at 4:38 PM on January 30, 2020
OP, I hope you’ve had your shot by now and are happily sitting on the couch with candy reading a good book, but just in case you haven’t and it would help you to know a little about vaccine administration to reassure yourself the person giving the shot did it right, this kind of shot should be given no higher on the upper arm than two fingers’ width below the acromion, which is the edge of the shoulder bone at the top of your arm. Too close to the shoulder can occasionally cause lingering pain there. I feel sure the person who does your vaccination will be well trained and probably very experienced - this will help you know everything is going as it should be.
posted by lakeroon at 5:06 PM on January 30, 2020
posted by lakeroon at 5:06 PM on January 30, 2020
I’m doing this tomorrow - put it off because I was very very sick with something else for most of the winter. I have a visceral and awful reaction to needles that aren’t for tattoos, and even I will say the flu shot is so much less terrible than most. If you got scared and procrastinated, let’s make a pact to do it tomorrow! Hooray, herd immunity!
posted by centrifugal at 6:32 PM on January 30, 2020
posted by centrifugal at 6:32 PM on January 30, 2020
Worth noting that sometimes the flu shot leaves you with a sore arm, and sometimes it leaves you with a bandaid and no sign of why you had to have one.
If you do have a reaction and bruising and aching, what you're experiencing is your immune systems reaction to the flu. They put different strains into the shot every year, whatever they think will be the nasty sorts. If you've had that particular strain before you will be immune to it and not have any reaction. If you've encountered a similar strain but not the exact same you'll have a minor reaction. If you have a strong reaction to the shot it's because your immune system has never been exposed to a strain before. That's actually what you want - it means that if you had actually caught the live and virulent strain of flu that made your arm hurt from the vaccination, you would have been royally sick. The worse your reaction to the shot the more you needed it.
posted by Jane the Brown at 6:50 PM on January 30, 2020
If you do have a reaction and bruising and aching, what you're experiencing is your immune systems reaction to the flu. They put different strains into the shot every year, whatever they think will be the nasty sorts. If you've had that particular strain before you will be immune to it and not have any reaction. If you've encountered a similar strain but not the exact same you'll have a minor reaction. If you have a strong reaction to the shot it's because your immune system has never been exposed to a strain before. That's actually what you want - it means that if you had actually caught the live and virulent strain of flu that made your arm hurt from the vaccination, you would have been royally sick. The worse your reaction to the shot the more you needed it.
posted by Jane the Brown at 6:50 PM on January 30, 2020
Response by poster: Hi everyone. I got the shot at Rite Aid. The pharmacist came out with a naked needle just lying in a tray, which was not great, but I insisted he bring me one that was still in the package. After that, the actual shot was fast and painless.
When I got home, I freaked out. The idea that some unknown substance was now swirling around inside me really, really scared me. My friend calmed me down and I spent a quiet night watching movies and eating comfort food. Right now I feel ok, and am hopeful that tomorrow I will be back to normal.
Thank you all for your kind words and advice.
posted by silverstatue at 7:49 PM on January 30, 2020 [26 favorites]
When I got home, I freaked out. The idea that some unknown substance was now swirling around inside me really, really scared me. My friend calmed me down and I spent a quiet night watching movies and eating comfort food. Right now I feel ok, and am hopeful that tomorrow I will be back to normal.
Thank you all for your kind words and advice.
posted by silverstatue at 7:49 PM on January 30, 2020 [26 favorites]
For future readers, I think most insurance companies won't cover flu shots after the new year as it's considered late in the flu season. It is worth calling around to some local urgent cares if they are affiliated with a hospital because sometimes the flu shots are subsidized and thus a bit cheaper than out of pocket at a retail pharmacy. This is what I found when I got my flu shot a few weeks ago!
posted by WeekendJen at 11:59 PM on January 30, 2020
posted by WeekendJen at 11:59 PM on January 30, 2020
silverstatue—YOU DID THE THING!!!
And, good for you for advocating for yourself during the procedure. That’s not easy.
This internet stranger is happy for you!
posted by bookmammal at 6:02 AM on January 31, 2020 [4 favorites]
And, good for you for advocating for yourself during the procedure. That’s not easy.
This internet stranger is happy for you!
posted by bookmammal at 6:02 AM on January 31, 2020 [4 favorites]
Silverstatue, I have to say, I'm really impressed you did it! Anxiety is hard!
Also, If I had someone come at me with an unpackaged needle, I'd do exactly what you did, and ask them to please start fresh with a packaged needle. I'm a bit anxious about sanitation myself and recently asked a doctor to use a new band-aid after she put her bare thumb right on the gauze part of the one she'd opened. She was surprised, a bit embarrassed, maybe just the teeniest hint of annoyed, certainly a bit amused.... and she did as I asked. It's my body; I get to ask for what I need to feel comfortable.
I think you did the right thing for your own health and that of others around you who aren't able to get the vax! What's swirling around inside you is making you stronger and safer. Good on ya!
posted by pseudostrabismus at 9:13 AM on January 31, 2020 [2 favorites]
Also, If I had someone come at me with an unpackaged needle, I'd do exactly what you did, and ask them to please start fresh with a packaged needle. I'm a bit anxious about sanitation myself and recently asked a doctor to use a new band-aid after she put her bare thumb right on the gauze part of the one she'd opened. She was surprised, a bit embarrassed, maybe just the teeniest hint of annoyed, certainly a bit amused.... and she did as I asked. It's my body; I get to ask for what I need to feel comfortable.
I think you did the right thing for your own health and that of others around you who aren't able to get the vax! What's swirling around inside you is making you stronger and safer. Good on ya!
posted by pseudostrabismus at 9:13 AM on January 31, 2020 [2 favorites]
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by silverstatue at 11:29 AM on January 30, 2020 [5 favorites]