I had a lumpectomy on my right breast two weeks ago and a left breast mastectomy 13 years ago.I have had sentinel nodes removed in both arms now.I want to have my booster so wondered whether I could ask for it to be in my left thigh?
The organisation Breast Cancer Now say the following about having injections and blood pressure taken in your affected arm.
'There’s no strong evidence that having injections, taking blood, taking a blood pressure reading or having intravenous fluids in your ‘at risk’ arm will cause lymphoedema.' You can also read more about this by clicking here.
But you can have the vaccine in your thigh if you wish to. Let the staff know when you arrive for your appointment and they will ensure your privacy.
The following Government guidance on this is summarised below,
'COVID-19 vaccines should be administered by intramuscular (IM) injection, preferably into the deltoid muscle of the upper arm. Individuals who have minimal muscle mass in the deltoid area of the upper arm, or a particular reason to avoid immunisation in the deltoid muscle, can be given their vaccine in the vastus lateralis muscle in the thigh if necessary. The area for injection should be clearly visible and accessible. Garments with long or tight sleeves may need to be removed. The injection site does not need to be cleaned unless visibly dirty. If cleaning is required, water should be used and the area dried with a gauze swab. It is not necessary to disinfect the skin.'
