When making preparations to travel overseas, it is important not to overlook the need for obtaining the vaccinations recommended for the region to which you are traveling. In addition to the standard vaccination schedules for children and adults, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends several vaccines for travelers depending upon their travel destinations.
Overseas travelers can find the CDC’s recommendations on the agency’s Travelers’ Health page. Here, the CDC provides a searchable database of vaccine recommendations based upon country of travel and certain traveler-specific characteristics (such as being pregnant, traveling with children or having a history of chronic illness or disease). The CDC’s website also provides information about a variety of vaccine-related health risks, including the risk of vaccine-specific injuries, shoulder injuries related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) and allergic reactions.
More on the Risks of Travel Vaccines
While specific recommendations vary from one country to the next, there are a number of vaccine recommendations that are common to multiple overseas destinations. These vaccines include:
- Cholera
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Meningococcal Disease
- Rabies
- Typhoid Fever
- Yellow Fever
All of these vaccines carry the risk for an injury called SIRVA, also known as shoulder injury due to vaccine administration. Vaccine shoulder injuries result from errors during the vaccination process. These injuries can result from inserting the needle too high on the shoulder, or by injecting the needle too deeply into the arm. There are a variety of forms of SIRVA – each with its own unique symptoms and prognosis – though the first sign of a vaccine shoulder injury is typically severe pain such as sharp, stabbing, or shooting shoulder pain, diminished strength or reduced range of motion.
Along with SIRVA, another risk common among travel vaccination is the risk of a severe allergic reaction resulting in anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a potentially-fatal condition that can also result in swelling, hives, low blood pressure (which can lead to fainting) and shock. Due to the risk of anaphylaxis, anyone with a history of allergic reactions should consult their physician prior to being vaccinated.
Generally speaking, vaccines carry a number of other risks as well. Travelers can find additional information about vaccine-specific risks from the CDC and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Seeking Compensation for Injuries from Travel Vaccines
Like all vaccine injuries, injuries resulting from travel vaccines are eligible for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). The VICP is a federal program administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The compensation available through the VICP includes coverage for medical expenses, loss of income, and pain and suffering. While most travel vaccines (with the exception of the Hepatitis B vaccine) are not listed on the VICP’s Vaccine Injury Table, those diagnosed with travel vaccine-related injuries can still secure compensation with the help of an experienced vaccine lawyer.
The Law Offices of Leah V. Durant & Associates provides no-fee legal representation for vaccine injury claims under the VICP. Located in Washington, D.C., the firm serves individuals diagnosed with vaccine-related injuries and illnesses nationwide. To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation, call (202) 775-9200 or contact the firm online today.