If you are planning to travel abroad, you may need to get a vaccine before you go. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend various vaccines for individuals who are traveling to overseas destinations, and these vaccines can provide critical protection against diseases that do not present a threat in the United States.
The CDC maintains an online database of recommended travel vaccines, and you can search the CDC’s travel vaccine database based on the country (or countries) to which you are planning to travel. Prior to receiving a travel vaccine, it is important to consult with your doctor, and it is important to be generally aware of the injury risks associated with these vaccines as well.
What are the Potential Risks Associated with CDC-Recommended Travel Vaccines?
Like all vaccines, the CDC’s recommended vaccines for overseas travel carry certain risks. These risks can vary in terms of their severity, and certain individuals will be at higher risks for certain types of vaccine injuries than others. The three primary risks associated with the most-common travel vaccines (including those for cholera, hepatitis A and B, meningococcal disease, rabies, typhoid fever, and yellow fever) are:
Anaphylaxis – Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction (also known as a hypersensitivity reaction) that can result from exposure to certain vaccine ingredients for some people. Hypersensitivity reactions to vaccine ingredients can range from mild to severe, and they can be life threatening in some cases.
Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA) – All vaccines that are administered via injection in the shoulder present risks for shoulder injuries related to vaccine administration (SIRVA). These injuries, which include adhesive capsulitis, brachial neuritis, shoulder bursitis and tendonitis, result from errors such as inserting the needle at the wrong angle or administering the vaccination too high or too low on the shoulder.
Vasovagal Syncope – Vasovagal syncope is a condition that causes a sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure. It has been linked to vaccinations including those for meningococcal disease and hepatitis A and B. While vasovagal syncope is not necessarily dangerous on its own, for many vaccine recipients, the greatest risk comes from the possibility of fainting while walking or driving.
What are Your Legal Rights if You are Harmed by a Travel Vaccine?
In the United States, all individuals who are diagnosed with vaccine-related injuries and illnesses are eligible to file claims under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). The VICP is a federal program, and it has paid more than $4 billion to just over 7,000 claimants since it was established in 1988. Recovering financial compensation under the VICP does not require proof of fault, and you can hire an attorney to represent you at little or no out-of-pocket cost. Learn more: HRSA, SIRVA, VICP? Making Sense of Your Vaccine Injury Claim.
Consult with a National Vaccine Injury Attorney for Free
Our firm provides nationwide legal representation for claims under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). If you have questions and would like to speak with an attorney, call us at 202-800-1711 or request a free consultation online today.
Leah Durant Bio
Experienced litigation attorney Leah Durant focuses on representing clients in complex vaccine litigation matters. Leah Durant is the owner and principal attorney of the Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC, a litigation firm based in Washington, DC. Leah Durant and her staff represent clients and their families who suffer from vaccine-related injuries, adverse vaccine reactions and vaccine-related deaths. The Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC is dedicated to assisting individuals in recovering the highest level of compensation as quickly and efficiently as possible. To learn more, contact vaccine attorney Leah Durant today.