This Is the Best Arm to Get Your Vaccine In, According to Infectious Disease Experts

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This Is the Best Arm to Get Your Vaccine In, According to Infectious ******** Experts

Getting vaccinated involves a quick ****** and long-term protection from certain ********* (or, in some cases, at least from severe cases of  them). “Long-term” is relative—for instance, flu and COVID-19 shots offer protection for the current season’s variants, while hepatitis B vaccinations can last a lifetime. However, most vaccines have a few things in common: First, they are a crucial form of preventative medicine. Second, it takes longer to roll up your sleeve than it does to get the vaccine itself.

Which sleeve should you be rolling up for the best protection? It’s a great question that scientists and infectious ******** experts are asking, too.

“One topic being studied is the impact of giving booster doses of a vaccine in the same arm as the original dose or the other arm,” says 

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, a pediatric infectious ********* expert at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital. “If research shows that one approach leads to a stronger immune response, it could prompt a recommendation for how boosters should be administered.”

What do the data and experts say about the best arm to get your vaccines in for maximum immunity? Infectious ******** experts discussed the details.

Related: Doctors Are Begging Patients 65+ To Get an Extra Dose of This Vaccine This Year

The Absolute Best Arm To Get Vaccines In, According to Research and Experts

Dr. Handel says scientists are still hashing that out, and recent research has produced conflicting results.

For instance,

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of about 300 people from 2023 found that getting both initial COVID-19 vaccines in the same arm produced the strongest immune response (but, importantly, alternating arms also gave people strong protection). However, in 2024,

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suggested that alternating arms was best.

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“In light of the inconsistent study results, the most important thing you can do is to make sure you are up to date on all recommended vaccines, regardless of the arm that they were injected into,” Dr. Handel says.

You may be disappointed if you came here for a ******-and-white answer. The good news is that the conflicting data—and strong immune responses you likely get from getting vaccinated regardless of the arm—gives you the power to decide which sleeve to roll up.

“Either arm works the same for vaccine effectiveness, so the choice comes down to which arm folks are most comfortable with being sore the next day,” says

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, an infectious ******** expert at Memorial Hermann. “Most people will get vaccines in their non-dominant arm for comfort reasons.”

You can also consult your doctor, who will consider your medical history, says 

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, an infectious ******** specialist with Hackensack University Medical Center. For instance, you may be a righty but recently had surgery on your left arm. In that case, you may prefer to opt for getting vaccines in your right arm this year.

Related: This Is the Exact Best Time To Get the Flu Shot To Make Sure You’re Protected All Season Long

Tips for Feeling Comfortable When Getting Vaccinated

Getting vaccinated is important. However, like going to the dentist, it’s likely not your favorite way to care for yourself. While we can’t make the experience as fun as happy hour, infectious ******** experts say there are ways to prepare your body to get the vaccine, stay comfortable in the moment (even if you hate needles) and manage temporary side effects afterward.

Dr. Yancey says wearing a shirt that is easy to roll up and filling out necessary forms before arriving can reduce your time at the pharmacy or clinic.

Dr. Cicogna suggests:

Drinking plenty of fluids before and after the vaccine

Eating a healthy pre-vaccine meal to put your body in a position to recover quickly

Applying an ice pack to the infection site for 10 to 15 minutes pre-vaccine to numb the area and reduce swelling

Taking slow, deep breaths before, during and after the injection to calm your nerves.

Picturing yourself in a peaceful, calming place

Distracting yourself during the vaccination by watching a video, listening music or talking to someone

Applying a warm compress to the injection site for 10 to 15 minutes multiple times per day to lower pain and swelling

Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen or acetaminophen if you experience pain or discomfort

Getting plenty of rest post-vaccine to help your body recover and reduce side effects

Speaking of rest, Dr. Handel says you can even lie down during your vaccine, adding that this strategy is good for people who get light-headed during an infection. Regardless of what you need to do to get vaccinated, it’s crucial that you get the shots you’re eligible to receive.

“Many people also procrastinate getting vaccinated due to anxiety, so make sure to set a plan before the season gets too late,” Dr. Handel says.

Up Next:

Related: The One Thing You Should Never, Ever Do Before Getting a Vaccine, According To Infectious ******** Experts

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