This year, my arm was only a bit sore, but I do recall I had the same reaction as you in years past. The first time I ever had a flu shot, I got a slight case of the flu, but the doc said it was a coincidence..I probably was going to get it anyway. Never had any other problems. Three years ago, when the vaccine was at a premium, I couldn't get one, 'tho I was my mom's caregiver. I was petrified. Have you had a pneumonia shot?