Polymyalgia Rheumatica After a Vaccine

Polymyalgia rheumatica is an inflammatory disease that can cause muscle aches and stiffness throughout the body, but which most commonly affects the arms, hips, neck and shoulders. While hereditary and environmental conditions are the most common causes, it is also possible to develop polymyalgia rheumatica following a vaccine. Several vaccines have been linked to the condition, and many individuals who are diagnosed with polymyalgia rheumatica following vaccination will be eligible to file claims under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP).

Understanding the Symptoms and Effects of Polymyalgia Rheumatica

While it is most common among individuals age 50 and older, anyone can develop polymyalgia rheumatica. In cases involving polymyalgia rheumatica after a vaccine, symptoms usually develop quickly after vaccination. Common symptoms include:

• Pain in the arms, hips, neck and shoulders
• Muscle stiffness and limited mobility
• Physical symptoms extending to the wrists, knees, and lower back
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Loss of appetite

Doctors most commonly diagnose polymyalgia rheumatica using blood tests and MRIs. Treatment is possible in most cases, with common treatments including corticosteroids, immunosuppressants and physical therapy. But, during treatment (or if left untreated), polymyalgia rheumatica may lead to loss of sleep, depression and complications from inactivity. Individuals diagnosed with polymyalgia rheumatica may also find it difficult to work or to perform certain activities of daily living (ADL) without assistance, and some individuals may experience lifelong effects as a result of their condition.

What Vaccines Can Cause Polymyalgia Rheumatica?

While vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for routine administration to the public are generally safe, adverse vaccine reactions may occur in a small percentage of cases. Polymyalgia rheumatica has been linked to several CDC-recommended vaccines, including:

• Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTaP) vaccine
• Hepatitis A vaccine
• Hepatitis B vaccine
• Influenza vaccine (flu shot)
• Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine
• Pneumococcal polysaccharide (PPV) vaccine
• Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine

While the link between these vaccines and polymyalgia rheumatica is well-established, the specific cause of polymyalgia rheumatica from a vaccine is not yet known. However, the medical science linking these vaccinations to this condition are strong enough, that claims filed under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program are often successful.

The National Vaccine Injury Program is an Option for Individual Who Develop Polymyalgia Rheumatica After a Vaccine

The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program may provide financial compensation to claimants for medical bills, out-of-pocket expenses, loss of income, and pain and suffering caused by vaccine-related injuries, or deaths. The Vaccine Injury Compensation Program provides compensation on a no-fault basis; and, while some claims are decided by Special Masters by way of a hearing, most vaccine injury claims settle without the need for a trial or hearing. Our firm represents individuals and families in vaccine injury claims nationwide, and we provide representation at no financial cost to you.

Speak with a Polymyalgia Rheumatica Vaccine Injury Lawyer Today

If you would like to learn more about how to file a lawsuit for polymyalgia rheumatica after a vaccine, contact The Law Offices of Durant & Associates today. To schedule a free, no-cost consultation, call 202-800-1711 or tell us how we can reach you online now.