Stupid question time - getting a shot where the tattoo is

[metalmancpa]

Both my upper arms are now tattooed, and every year I get a flu shot. Is there any risk of damaging a tattoo getting a shot through the ink?

I realize if I am so worried I can get a shot in my thigh or ass, but I'm curious to know.

[reverend1]

Both my upper arms are now tattooed, and every year I get a flu shot. Is there any risk of damaging a tattoo getting a shot through the ink?

I realize if I am so worried I can get a shot in my thigh or ass, but I'm curious to know.

Strangely enough I was thinking about the same thing tonight. I normally never get a flu shot but with the outbreak this year I might bite the bullet. I doubt it would damage your tattoo, but I not 100% sure about that.

[Shaun1105]

They should be able to put the needle anywhere in your deltoid muscle. Surely there's at least a tiny spot of skin free? Though I doubt the shot would damage the tattoo in any case.

[Colored Guy]

I've had various shots in tattooed areas... I've never noticed any sign after. One time, the girl gave me the shot, got rid of the needle, looked back where to put the little bandaid and couldn't find the site... I told her to leave it off.

[MGblues]

I think it's not that they worry they'll damage the tattoo, they worry you'll have a reaction to to shot and not be able to see it because of the tattoo.

[Liz Stitch Ellis]

They do try with certain shots to avoid the ink, especially if it's fresh, it has to do with the cells that break stuff down (same cells that cause tattoos to fade) are also how inter-muscular shots are absorbed into the body.. forgive me I'm blanking on the actual terms, pretty much if you aggregate the area (sun burn, dead virus cells, ect) the "eater" cells will break down bits of the tattoo. (this causes fading/ the no longer clean smooth outline you once had on the microscopic level)

I'd play it safe and ask to get it some where else, there are a few locations for IM shots :)

Hope that kinda helps?

[mahaprana]

Got a flu shot today, right through the ink. No problem at all....

[lving4today]

Tetanus in one arm, steroid shot in the other. Both are fine, but just in case of reaction an empty space is best.

Ironically, the free space on my Poseidon tattoo is his arm...which is also my arm....arm-ception

[jade1955]

I had a flu shot last year. The doctor told me he stuck the needle right into the eye (of my Hannya tattoo).

I think he quite enjoyed doing that.

[Shannon Shirley]

Ive had blood drawn thru tattoos for years ,never noticed any damage or affects.