Why I Ask Clients to Wait After Vaccinations Before Scheduling a Massage

Suzan D. Walker LMT 104331
Oct 5
3 min read

Person receives a vaccine in upper arm, administered by gloved hands in a medical setting. Blue shirt, red sleeve, focused and calm mood.

I want to take a moment to be transparent and share my policy regarding massage appointments and recent vaccinations. Over the years, I’ve had conversations with many practitioners in both holistic and healthcare settings, and this is a topic that comes up often.

First and foremost, your health decisions are your own. Whether or not you choose to vaccinate is entirely your personal choice, and I respect that. I work with people from all walks of life, but I do prefer to work with those who lean toward holistic approaches to health and wellness.

As for me, I am not vaccinated. This is a personal medical decision between my doctor and myself, due to contraindications, a history of vaccine injury, and allergic reactions to certain vaccinations that contain egg whites. I also have the MTHFR gene mutation, which can affect how my body processes certain vaccines. If this is something you have an issue with, it may be best not to schedule an appointment with me. I believe in mutual respect and transparency, so I want to be upfront about this.

Because of my sensitivities, I take extra precautions. If you have a history of frequent vaccinations and boosters, I will wear gloves during your session. This is a necessity for my health and safety.

I also ask that clients wait 7 to 14 days after receiving any vaccination before coming in for a massage. This is a firm boundary and policy I enforce. This waiting period allows time for potential side effects to pass, such as a swollen arm, fever, or other immune responses that may occur after receiving a vaccination. This is one of the main reasons I prefer clients wait before coming in. It’s also a matter of liability and protecting both of us.

From my experience in my business, getting a massage immediately after a vaccination can actually make these side effects worse especially if you have a autoimmune disease. It can lead to fever, flu-like symptoms, inflammation, and swelling. I'm not sure who originally suggested that a massage right after vaccination is beneficial, but in my experience, it is not.

Please understand that if you’ve received a vaccination on the same day as your scheduled massage, your appointment will need to be rescheduled. You are welcome to get vaccinated after your massage session, but not before. One of the intake questions I ask is whether you’ve recently had a vaccination, so we can schedule appropriately and safely.

I want to be clear that I am not against vaccinations. In fact, I do believe vaccinations can play an important role in public health. However, I also believe in mindful scheduling, spacing out certain vaccines especially for children and making individualized decisions rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach. That may be an unpopular opinion, but it’s my honest perspective based on personal experience and the clients I serve.

Lastly, if you are sick or not feeling well for any reason, my standing policy remains the same: please do not come in. This protects both you and me.

This policy comes from a place of care, personal responsibility, and professional boundaries. Thank you for honoring it so we can create the safest and most supportive healing environment possible.

With care and support,

Suzan (Susan) Walker LMT

References Supporting Post-Vaccination Massage Guidelines

Hsu, C. Y., et al. (1995). Local massage after vaccination enhances the immunogenicity of diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine. The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal, 14(7), 567–572.This study found that while local massage after vaccination improved antibody responses, it also led to increased adverse reactions, including low-grade fever and local pain. PubMed
Times of India (2021). Coronavirus vaccination: Here's why you are asked to not rub or massage the injection site after vaccination.Experts advise against massaging the injection site after vaccination, as it may cause irritation or interfere with the vaccine's effectiveness. The Times of India
Seattle Children's Hospital (2025). Immunization Reactions.This resource outlines common side effects of vaccinations, including pain and swelling at the injection site, and advises against massaging the area to prevent further irritation. Seattle Children's Hospital
ABMP (2021). Massage After COVID Vaccine: When It's Safe.Massage pathology expert Ruth Werner recommends waiting at least two days after receiving a COVID-19 vaccination before scheduling a massage, to allow time for any delayed reactions to subside. ABMP
Vaccines Aotearoa (2025). COVID-19 Vaccine Side Effects and Reactions.This guide advises against rubbing or massaging the injection site after vaccination to prevent irritation and potential complications

Massage therapy is not a substitution for medical treatment. The massage therapist cannot diagnose, treat or prevent disease. The therapist can only recommend products and services. Please consult a medical physician for further treatment.