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Respected Contributor
Posts: 4,270
Registered: ‎04-20-2012

I was told by a pharmacist at Walgreens that they are the biggest buyer of flu vaccine and yet do not carry intradermal; they surmised that doctor offices would not carry it either. You should be able to get one from your local health department. The flu shot I obtained had no preservatives and all intradermal shots also have no preservatives. If I decide to get a flu shot next year I will go to the health department for a intradermal shot.

My first flu shot in about 10 years and yes, my arm ached for a couple days although much less than previously. I do not have a compromised immune system, thankfully, but obtained the shot this year due to having to take my stepmom to her various doctor appointments, i.e. podiatrist, general practitioner as well as dentist during the flu season....don't like being around sick people! My stepmom refuses the flu shot every year! I don't recall that she was ever sick with the flu.....colds, yes.

For those who prefer to build up natural antibodies by being exposed to the flu while they're out and about. Yes, me too but 10 years later with only 1 bout of the flu (I was never tested for the flu and so have no idea if that's what I really had and no, didn't go to the doctor or ER) I felt it was time.

Don't let anyone bully you into getting a flu shot.

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Registered: ‎02-19-2012

Honored Contributor
Posts: 25,929
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

When ever anyone whines about the pain in their arm for days after getting a flu shot I just want to scream ""OH GROW UP"". The needle used to administer a flu shot is about the size of a hair. Good grief.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 18,504
Registered: ‎05-23-2010

WT_? If you are referring to intradermal vs. nasal vaccine, that is totally incorrect. Every drugstore from every major chain is pushing flu shots up the wazoo. I obtained mine from my doctor's office, and they had plenty. What the heck your post has to do with supposed/potential "bullying" (currently the most misused word in the English language) I have no clue. Your own personal 1-person experience does not equal "everyone."

Life without Mexican food is no life at all
Respected Contributor
Posts: 2,043
Registered: ‎04-16-2013

WOW. Nice bedside manner, lol.

Some people get a reaction at the injection site, according to the CDC:

What are the side effects that could occur?

  • Soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given
  • Fever (low grade)
  • Ache

(this post was in response to HH saying "grow up")

Valued Contributor
Posts: 795
Registered: ‎07-03-2010
On 11/1/2014 happy housewife said:

When ever anyone whines about the pain in their arm for days after getting a flu shot I just want to scream "OH GROW UP". The needle used to administer a flu shot is about the size of a hair. Good grief.

I just had mine this morning, I had to push the area to even see if it hurt.

It reminds me of my Grandson though, he got a vaccine (not sure which one) and calls me after to say "Grammy, I think they hit a bone." He's five and gearing up for Drama School. haha

This sota girl says pop, duck, duck, gray duck and loves tater tot hotdish
Honored Contributor
Posts: 18,504
Registered: ‎05-23-2010
On 11/1/2014 happy housewife said:

When ever anyone whines about the pain in their arm for days after getting a flu shot I just want to scream "OH GROW UP". The needle used to administer a flu shot is about the size of a hair. Good grief.

I beg to differ. I have been having "regular" flu shots for 17+ years. I have never had any sort of reaction, either sore arm, "flu" symptoms or anything else. A few weeks ago, for the first time I got the quadruple (65+) vaccine. Completely unexpectedly, as I am not one to "expect" a reaction, I had local and systemic symptoms that lasted a total of *5 days*. My arm was very sore for 4 days such that it woke me from sleep every time I rolled over on it. For 3 days, my entire upper arm was red, swollen at the injection site and *hot* to the point that I had to put ice packs on it. I took photos. I had witnesses. I also had a sore throat for 4 days. Was all of this due to the flu shot? Yes, absolutely. Was it more than minor discomfort? You betcha. Will I continue to get flu shots? Again, absolutely, though I may not opt for the quad next year :-(

Life without Mexican food is no life at all
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Respected Contributor
Posts: 2,862
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

I have never had a problem with flu shots (some years a sore arm for a while, most years no problem at all).

But I had a severe reaction to the pneumonia shot last year and ended up on antibiotics for (I think) cellulitis. (Not cellulite, though I do wish I could buy some medicine for that!)

Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,358
Registered: ‎02-21-2014

?? I checked the intradermal flu shot finder by zip code online and got results of 10 locations within 10 miles of our home including Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, Rite Aid, and more places.Smiley Happy


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Respected Contributor
Posts: 4,270
Registered: ‎04-20-2012
On 11/1/2014 newziesuzie said:

?? I checked the intradermal flu shot finder by zip code online and got results of 10 locations within 10 miles of our home including Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, Rite Aid, and more places.Smiley Happy

Unfortunately, that means nothing. Try going to those places IN PERSON and told that NO, they do not carry intradermal flu vaccines.