It’s flu season, and while Americans anxiously await the arrival of a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine, it is important not to forget about the annual flu shot. According to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the flu shot prevents millions of illnesses and tens of thousands of hospitalizations each year, and the agency recommends flu immunization for just about everyone.
While the influenza vaccine is generally safe for most people, getting vaccinated carries certain risks. Here, vaccine attorney Leah V. Durant answers some common questions about the injuries and illnesses that are linked to the annual flu shot:
Q: What are the primary risks associated with influenza immunization?
The primary risks associated with influenza immunization fall into two categories: (i) adverse reactions to the flu shot, and (ii) injuries resulting from mistakes during flu immunization. These issues can lead to injuries and illnesses including:
Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction)
Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP)
Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS)
Parsonage-Turner Syndrome (brachial neuritis)
Shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA)
Q: What types of vaccination mistakes can lead to SIRVA?
Shoulder injuries related to vaccine administration can result from various errors during flu immunization. When administering flu shots, health care providers have a responsibility to avoid these errors in order to protect their patients against painful and debilitating injuries. Some of the most-common causes of SIRVA include inserting the needle too high on the shoulder or too low on the arm, inserting the needle too deep or at the wrong angle, and using a needle that is the wrong size for the patient.
Q: What should someone do after being diagnosed with a flu shot injury or illness?
After being diagnosed with a flu shot injury or illness, it is important to speak with an attorney promptly. There is a federal program – the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) – that provides compensation to individuals who experience harm resulting from flu shots and other immunizations. An experienced vaccine attorney can help you recover maximum compensation under the VICP.
Q: What compensation is available under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program?
The compensation available under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program includes coverage for (i) medical expenses, (ii) time missed from work, and (iii) pain and suffering. The VICP pays claimants’ legal fees separately from their awards of financial compensation, so you can recover full compensation even if you hire an attorney to represent you.
Q: How do you file a claim for a flu shot injury or illness under the VICP?
Filing a claim under the VICP involves submitting a petition to the U.S. Court of Federal Claims (also known as the “Vaccine Court”). Then, you must deal with the attorneys for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) who are tasked with defending against your claim. Due to the challenges involved in recovering compensation under the VICP, it is strongly recommended that you hire a lawyer to represent you.
Schedule a Free Consultation about Your Flu Shot Injury or Illness
If you or a member of your family has been diagnosed with a flu shot injury or illness, we encourage you to contact us about filing your claim under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation, please call 202-800-1711 or inquire 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.