Shoulder pain from a flu shot typically subsides within one to three days. If a vaccine recipient’s pain does not begin to subside within five to seven days, medical experts typically recommend seeing a doctor. If a vaccine recipient’s shoulder pain worsens instead of improving, that may also mean medical treatment is needed. Learn more from the vaccine lawyers at Law Offices of Leah V. Durant & Associates.
Mild pain at the injection site is normal after a flu shot. Most people who get a flu shot experience mild shoulder pain for about one to three days, with the pain gradually subsiding over that period.
If shoulder pain does not subside within one to three days, it could be a sign that medical attention is needed. Likewise, if a flu shot recipient’s pain worsens instead of improving, they may need to see a doctor. Ultimately, all vaccine recipients should err on the side of caution and schedule an appointment promptly if they have questions or concerns about their health.
What if Shoulder Pain Doesn’t Go Away After a Flu Shot?
If shoulder pain doesn’t go away after a flu shot—or gets worse instead of better—this could signal a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA). SIRVA is a class of injuries that result from internal trauma during the immunization process. This trauma can be caused by issues such as:
- Inserting the needle at the wrong angle
- Inserting the needle in the wrong location
- Using a needle that is the wrong size for a patient’s body type
Errors during the immunization process do not always cause internal trauma, but when they do, vaccine recipients can face serious complications. Depending on a vaccine recipient’s specific diagnosis, recovering from SIRVA can potentially take weeks or months; and, in some cases, vaccine-related shoulder injuries can have long-term (or even permanent) consequences.
What Are the Other Signs of a SIRVA?
Along with prolonged shoulder pain, shoulder injuries related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) can have a variety of other symptoms as well. Other signs that medical attention may be necessary after a flu shot include:
- Limited mobility or reduced range of motion in the shoulder
- Loss of muscle strength in the shoulder, arm or hand
- Stiffness in the shoulder or arm
Additionally, if a vaccine recipient’s shoulder pain is sharp, throbbing, or worsens with certain movements (i.e., attempting to lift the arm over the head), these may also be signs of a vaccine-related shoulder injury. Determining whether a vaccine recipient’s symptoms are due to SIRVA requires a careful diagnosis; when seeking a diagnosis, vaccine recipients should mention their recent immunization.
What Are Flu Shot Recipients’ Legal Rights After a SIRVA Diagnosis?
Flu shot recipients diagnosed with a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) may be eligible to file a claim under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). The VICP covers all types of SIRVA linked to the annual flu shot; while all types of SIRVA result from errors during the immunization process, proof of fault is not required to file a claim.
Under the VICP, eligible claimants can seek compensation for their past, present, and future:
- Medical expenses for diagnosis and treatment of SIRVA
- Loss of income due to SIRVA
- Pain and suffering caused by SIRVA
Our vaccine lawyers handle SIRVA claims under the VICP at no cost to our clients. The process starts with a free, no-obligation consultation, and we are prepared to take action immediately to protect our clients’ legal rights when necessary.
FAQs: Filing a Vaccine Injury Claim for SIRVA
How can flu shot recipients find out if they have a claim under the VICP?
Flu shot recipients can find out if they have a claim under the VICP by scheduling a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our vaccine lawyers. We have extensive experience handling SIRVA claims under the VICP, and we use that experience to provide practical advice that helps clients make informed decisions.
What documentation is required to file a VICP claim for SIRVA?
Filing a VICP claim for SIRVA requires several documents. This includes the flu shot recipient’s vaccination record and medical records related to their SIRVA diagnosis. It also includes the flu shot recipient’s employment records (when seeking compensation for lost income), as well as documentation of the recipient’s pain and suffering.
How long do flu shot recipients have to file a VICP claim for SIRVA?
Flu shot recipients generally have three years to file a claim for a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). That said, there are several important reasons to act promptly, and we strongly recommend speaking with one of our vaccine lawyers as soon as possible.
How Our Vaccine Lawyers Can Help
Our vaccine lawyers handle all aspects of our clients’ VICP claims—from documenting their eligibility and the losses they are entitled to recover to negotiating with the government’s attorneys and providing representation in the Vaccine Court when necessary. We work closely with our clients throughout the process and are always happy to answer their questions along the way. Along with representing adult flu shot recipients, we also represent families in cases involving childhood SIRVA.
Schedule a Free Consultation at Law Offices of Leah V. Durant & Associates
Do you have questions about filing a SIRVA claim under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP)? If so, we’re happy to provide the advice and insights you need to make informed decisions about your next steps. To schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced vaccine lawyers, call us at 202-775-9200 or tell us how we can contact you online today.