Acute Shoulder Injury Following Tdap Vaccination: A Case Report on SIRVA and the Importance of Proper Injection Technique

Main Article Content

Kate Isoken Obayagbona
Weiwei Zhao
Ajibola Mobolaji Arowona
Joshua Olufisayo Odeyemi
Lubna Mirza

Keywords

SIRVA, Vaccine Complications, Subacromial Bursitis, Intramuscular Injection, Vaccination Injury, Case Report., Shoulder Pain

Abstract

Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA) is a preventable iatrogenic condition caused by improper injection technique into the deltoid region. It can result in significant pain, inflammation, and impaired function. We report a case of a healthy adult female who developed acute shoulder pain and fatigue within hours of receiving an intramuscular tetanus toxoid vaccine. With no prior history of shoulder pathology, clinical evaluation supported a diagnosis of SIRVA. Conservative treatment with NSAIDs and physical therapy led to partial symptom relief, though some pain persisted a month later. This case highlights the importance of correct vaccination techniques and early recognition of SIRVA to mitigate its impact.

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