Got a flu shot today.  I think the nurse administering the shot may have blaced
out for an instant.  I know I was stuck but I don't think I was vacinated. Is it
safe to get another flu shot soon?

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Clarification of Question by felix28-ga on 26 Oct 2002 14:04 PDT

Got a flu shot at a local supermarket. The nurse stuck me with the
needle and
withdrew it immediately and then she seemed "out of it". I don't think
she actully gave me the shot. She didn't answer me when I commented. 
My question is: Can I get another flu shot?
I saw her outside the store later and told her I didn't think she gave
me the
shot. She told me that she's very fast and other people told her the
same thing.
I'm concerned I'm not protected.

Greetings felix28,

I've done some research on your question. Please be aware of the
following important disclaimer: "Answers and comments provided on
Google Answers are general information, and are not intended to
substitute for informed professional medical, psychiatric,
psychological, tax, legal, investment, accounting, or other
professional advice."

There are several different forms of the flu vaccine. I think the very
best thing for you to do is to determine the manufacturer of the
vaccination you received and contact them for information on receiving
a duplicate injection. They may suggest that you wait a certain
timeframe before trying to get another shot or be able to provide you
with information specific to their vaccine.

I found an article on HealthLink (Medical College of Wisconsin) where
a physician answers health-related questions from the public. Someone
asked a question very similar to yours:

"Q:  I took my dad, who is 89 and very forgetful, for a flu shot last
week, only to find out that he'd already had one the day before! Could
any harm come to him from having two shots so close together?"

Excerpt from Answer: "Contrary to what some people may think, the flu
shot has only non-infectious viruses and does not cause flu. I don't
expect your father will be any the worse for having two shots."

The full article can be found here:
http://healthlink.mcw.edu/article/913673646.html

I also read that in young children, flu shots are given in two doses
one month apart. "The two doses of vaccine help the child’s body make
strong protection against influenza."

That article can be found here:
http://www.wechealthunit.org/pages/hottopics/fluvaccineinformation.htm

I hope that helps to answer your question. If you're ever in doubt,
always consult your physician or contact the manufacturer of the
vaccine for more information. Please let me know if I can be of
further assistance on this question. Thanks!

Sincerely,
PWizard

I truly appreciate your help. The name of the manufacturer is on my
receipt and
I'll check with them. I would think,  from your research, that a
second shot would would be fine and I'd feel protected.
be

The standard dose given in a flu shot is 0.5 ml, which is a very small
amount of fluid.  (There are 5 ml per teaspoon, and 30 ml per ounce.) 
It is easy to give that small injection quickly and, unlike injections
involving larger amounts of fluid, the recipient usually won't feel
any pain or discomfort from the actual fluid being injected (the
needle still hurts a bit, of course).

So, for what it's worth, you could easily have been given the
injection properly by an experienced nurse who simply did it all in
one quick movement...

Hello,
It is possible that she did administer the vacine, however I feel it is also
possible that she didn't.  
I appreciate your comment.
Thank you.