Download FREE Practo app
Get ₹200 HealthCash
Pain in upper arm after gardasil vaccine
Hi doctors I took the second dose of the gardasil vaccine on Friday. It is now sunday and my upper left arm still hurts. I am also not able to raise my arm completely. When I had taken 1st dose, the pain only lasted a day. So now I'm wondering if something is wrong. How long after 2nd dose is pain common? I feel a little bit on my shoulder also but that might be referred pain as i feel the majority of it on my upper arm itself.
Answers (17)
Get your queries answered instantly with Care AI FREE
20000+ health queries resolved in last month
Avoid fried food and spicy food
Water intake more
Green leafy vegetables and fruits
Fiber meal
Do connect and consult
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Didn't find the answer you are looking for?
Talk to experienced doctor online and get your health questions answered in just 5 minutes.
+111
Can help you with the next course of action and treatment plan. Kindly consult via whatsapp at nine zero two nine six zero zero four seven zero.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Jyothika Vucha
Consult Now
Ayurvedic Endocrinologist & Internal Medicine Specialist
1 yrs exp
Vijayawada
It's common to experience some pain after the Gardasil vaccine, especially around the injection site. Post-vaccine soreness usually lasts 1-3 days, but some people may feel discomfort for up to a week. The fact that your first dose caused only mild pain doesnât necessarily mean the second dose will behave the same wayâimmune responses can vary between doses.
The pain extending slightly to your shoulder may be referred pain, but if you are unable to raise your arm completely, it could also be due to muscle stiffness from inflammation. Applying a cold compress in the first 24 hours and switching to a warm compress afterward can help. paracetamol can also provide relief.
Next Steps
However, if your pain worsens, persists beyond a week, or is accompanied by significant swelling, redness, warmth, or weakness in your arm, it's best to get evaluated to rule out rarer complications like bursitis or nerve irritation.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Apply ice pack
Take tab paracetamol 650 mg qid for 2 days
It will subside
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Pls consult same doctor onceagain and have a follow up.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Please consult the doctor who gave you the injection.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Connect
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Post-vaccine arm pain after the Gardasil (HPV) vaccine is common and usually lasts 2â3 days. However, in some cases, it may persist for up to a week due to localized inflammation or muscle soreness.
Possible Causes:
Injection Site Inflammation â Common and should subside in a few days.
Muscle Stiffness â If the vaccine was injected slightly higher, it might cause shoulder pain.
Mild Nerve Irritation â Rare but can cause lingering discomfort.
Referred Pain â Pain from the injection site can extend to the shoulder.
What You Can Do:
Apply a cold pack to reduce inflammation.
Take OTC pain relievers (Paracetamol/Ibuprofen).
Gently stretch and move the arm to prevent stiffness.
Monitor for Red Flags:
Severe swelling, redness, or warmth.
Persistent pain beyond one week.
Weakness or numbness in the arm.
If symptoms worsen or persist beyond a week, consult a doctor.
For consultation, connect with me on Practo for video consultations. For WhatsApp queries only: Eight Seven Six Two Seven Four Nine Nine Seven Four.
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Ice pack locally.
Tab zerodol sp three times a day after food for three to five days.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Kindly connect
Will help you.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Anubha Singh
General Physician
4 yrs exp
Jhansi
If you require assistance or have any health concerns, feel free to reach out for a consultation. Your well-being is my priority, and i'm here to support you on your health journey.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Anuj Mothsra
General Physician
5 yrs exp
Jhunjhunu
Can help you, kindly consult and provide detailed history for proper diagnosis and further management
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Shivam Mishra
General Physician
5 yrs exp
Mumbai
Dear Patient,
Thank you for sharing your concern. It is not uncommon to experience pain, swelling, or limited mobility in the arm after receiving the Gardasil vaccine. The second dose can sometimes cause a stronger local reaction compared to the first, and symptoms may last longer—typically **2–3 days**, though in some cases, discomfort can persist for up to a week.
What You Can Do:
1. Apply an ice pack to the sore area for 15–20 minutes, 3–4 times a day.
2. Take over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (paracetamol) or ibuprofen if needed.
3. Gently move your arm to prevent stiffness, but avoid strenuous activity.
When to Seek Help:
Consult a doctor if:
- The pain worsens or lasts beyond a week.
- You notice redness, warmth, or swelling spreading beyond the injection site.
- You develop a fever, fatigue, or other systemic symptoms.
Your description suggests a typical vaccine reaction, but if you’re concerned or symptoms persist, I recommend a follow-up consultation to rule out rare complications like inflammation or nerve irritation.
For further guidance, you can reach me on WhatsApp at **"Eight Zero Zero Nine Eight Two One Three Three Two"**. Let’s ensure your recovery is smooth and address any worries you may have.
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Ashita Kuruvilla
General Practitioner
8 yrs exp
Kolkata
Use ice pack
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Thresia Pereira
General Physician
37 yrs exp
Mumbai
Ice sponging will reduce
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Ravi Kumar Nadella
General Physician
17 yrs exp
Hyderabad
Apply ice pack
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Manoj Kumar
General Physician
9 yrs exp
Dehradun
Need few more details
Kindly consult
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Articles you may like
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
The question asked on this page is a free question. You can ask a free health question by downloading the Practo app.
Articles you may like
Tell us what's troubling you
Tell us what's troubling you
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.