Pain following a vaccination could be a sign of a potentially-serious injury or medical condition. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends several vaccinations for both children and adults, the CDC, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and others also note several reactions associated with vaccinations. This includes risks that are specific to individual vaccines as well as risks tied to the vaccine administration process.

If you have experienced pain after a vaccination, what should you do?

1. The first step is to obtain a medical diagnosis.

Anyone experiencing pain (beyond minor, short-term pain localized at the point of injection) after a vaccination should seek medical attention promptly. Individuals experiencing vaccine-related pain should take care to accurately describe their symptoms to their doctor. Since the symptoms of many vaccine injuries can be similar to other types of conditions (such as sports injuries and certain neurological disorders), it is also important for patients to disclose their recent vaccinations.

In addition to pain, some of the other symptoms associated with vaccine-related illnesses and injuries include:

  • Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) – Symptoms of GBS, an autoimmune disease linked to certain vaccinations, include: muscle weakness, numbness, tingling, difficulty with bowel movements, loss of bladder control, difficulty walking or climbing stairs, loss of eye and facial control, and loss of reflexes.
  • Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA) – There are many types of vaccine shoulder injuries, with possible symptoms including: inflammation; limited range of motion; muscle weakness; pain that increases with motion, in cold weather or at night; and loss of sensation in the arm and shoulder.
  • Transverse Myelitis – Transverse myelitis is a neurological disorder that affects the spinal cord. Early symptoms include: bowel and bladder issues; numbness, tingling and other unusual sensations; and weakness in the arms and legs.

For more information, you can read about other types of vaccine injuries.

2. Individuals diagnosed with vaccine-related injuries and illnesses should also consult an attorney about their rights under the VICP.

Many individuals diagnosed with vaccine-related injuries and illnesses are entitled compensation under the federal government’s National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). Recognizing both the importance and the risks of vaccination, Congress established the VICP in order to make it easier for individuals diagnosed with vaccine-induced medical conditions to recover their medical bills and other losses. There are strict deadlines and other rules that apply, and individuals diagnosed with vaccine injuries are advised to seek legal representation before filing a claim with the VICP.

Since the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program’s inauguration in 1988, the federal government has paid more than $3.2 billion in compensation for vaccine-related illnesses and injuries. You can review our case results for examples of some recent awards.

Speak with a Vaccine Injury Lawyer

The Law Offices of Leah V. Durant & Associates represents clients nationwide in claims under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). We offer free initial consultations, and due to the attorneys’ fees provisions of the VICP, we are able to offer our legal representation at little or no financial cost to you. To get started with a free, no-obligation consultation, call us at (202) 775-9200 or request an appointment online today.