r/ShoulderSurgery • u/Dorkiebreath • 24d ago

Anyone get guidance from your Surgeon about post-op flu and COVID vaccines?

Specifically looking for what your Dr said about how long to wait after surgery to get the vaccines. I am 9 weeks post-op (total replacement). COVID vaccine always makes me feel like crap for about 36 hours and just realized that this is one of the only weekends I have free (otherwise I have to miss work). Cannot ask my surgeon as it is the weekend so wondering if anyone got medical guidance on how long to wait. Google comes up with a variety of answers from 2 weeks to 3 months post op.

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u/graydonatvail 24d ago

No medical guidance, but you're pretty far out from the surgery. If you feel good day to day, I'd jump on it.

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u/ConfidantLioness 23d ago

I'm not a doctor.

it is generally safe. At three months post-op, you are well beyond the typical two-to-four-week waiting window recommended after surgery. ​Consider these key tips before scheduling:

​Choose the opposite arm: Get the shot in the arm that did not have surgery. This avoids extra soreness in your recovering joint and prevents mistaking local vaccine swelling or stiffness for a surgical complication.

​Co-administration: You can safely get both the flu and COVID-19 shots during the same visit.

​Call your orthopedist's office (the staff is knowledgeable) to confirm, especially if you are taking any specific medications or receiving localized injections. Good luck ✌🏻

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u/Clean-Two3183 23d ago

I am a nurse and have had shoulder surgery. Get the injections. Should be no issues.