Leah Durant | Vaccine Attorney - Vaccine Blog

One of the primary functions of the immune system is to distinguish between the body and foreign agents, keeping the individual healthy and strong while at the same time attacking and destroying outside invaders.  Guillain-Barre syndrome (or GBS) is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the body’s immune system malfunctions and begins attacking its own nervous system. In patients diagnosed with GBS, the myelin sheath that covers the nerves and assists with signal transmission is attacked during a process called demyelination. Unlike Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (or CIDP), the chronic form of the disease, GBS presents quickly and is frequently followed by some sort of infection or illness, and in some cases follows administration of a flu shot.  GBS following flu vaccination is marked by tingling and weakness in the arms and legs.  If left undiagnosed and untreated, severe forms of GBS may lead to whole body paralysis, hospitalization, or even death.

Following a string of injury reports, a group known as the European Medicines Agency has announced its intentions to take a closer look at the vaccine used to prevent HPV – a condition known to cause cervical cancer.

As we recently reported, California recently became one of the first states to do away with personal exemptions for families wishing to refrain from vaccinating their children prior to enrollment in the public school system. The decision, which sent shockwaves through the nation as an unrestrained exercise in government over-reach, was met with strenuous objections from parents wishing to wait or withhold vaccination all together. Fortunately, however, not every state has opted to take the same route, and states like Oregon and Washington recently struck down similar measures by lawmakers looking to add a similar – possibly unconstitutional – mandate to their codebooks.

Can a state require my child to get a meningitis vaccine?

Bacterial meningitis is a highly-contagious, life-threatening condition easily spread between individuals living in close quarters (like dormitories). Historically, public universities and colleges mandated this under-studied vaccine for any new enrollee, and would decline admission to any student refusing to submit to the three-part series of inoculations.

What is the AMA’s stance on opting out of routine vaccinations for newborns and children?

In June, 2015, the American Medical Association took an official stance on the notion of parents conscientiously opting out of the traditional vaccine schedule. While this is not necessarily surprising, it could trigger a ripple effect against the informed vaccination rights many advocates have worked so hard to establish – particularly if state legislatures place great weight on this group’s position.

Why are some Californians against SB 277?

In response to a recent measles outbreak at Disneyland, a bill designated SB 277 has been presented to California’s state legislature to eliminate an exemption to mandatory vaccine rules.  The bill also sets a schedule for measles, mumps, and rubella vaccinations.  Presently, parents can opt out of these vaccinations if they have a personal, religious, or medical reason. 

Is ADEM related to vaccinations?

ADEM, or Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis, is a rare autoimmune disease resulting in rapid fever, loss of consciousness, and widespread inflammation of the nervous system.  Many of its symptoms are similar to Multiple Sclerosis.  Although rare, it is associated with complications resulting from vaccinations in children, teens, and adults.

What is Guillain-Barre Syndrome?

Guillain-Barre Syndrome, or GBS, is a rare disorder in which a person’s immune system damages his or her nervous system, causing muscle weakness and, sometimes, paralysis.  It can lead to long-term nerve damage and, in very rare instances, death, usually due to difficulty breathing.  An estimated 3,000-6,000 people contract GBS in the United States each year. 

How can my child recover damages for adverse effects caused by a vaccination?

Like many parents, Theresa and Lucas Black of Mooresville, North Carolina trusted that vaccinating their child would be safe. Days after her vaccinations, however, their three-month-old daughter suffered seizures that threatened her life. A Charlotte neurologist determined that the vaccine had caused encephalopathy. Years later, her brain injury left her profoundly disabled, unable to speak, and on a feeding tube.

Are there health risks associated with vaccines?

Recently, a study was released showing no connection between the MMR vaccine and autism. While there was no correlation found in this study, many safety advocates warn that these results do not tell the whole story. Administration of vaccines are not nearly as safe as most are led to believe, and doctors often fail to warn parents about the dangers.  Like any other medication, there exists the potential for side effects or allergic reactions.  In many instances, these are incredibly dangerous, or even deadly. 

How many vaccinations result in serious health problems?

The debate about the benefits of vaccinations weighed against the potential dangers has been discussed extensively, especially in the wake of the recent measles outbreak in several states. In February of this year, Dr. Bob Sears appeared on CNN to discuss the issue and stated that between 3,000 and 4,500 individuals suffer from serious reactions as a result of exposure to vaccines every year.  Dr. Sears appears to have exaggerated the numbers, but the fact remains that there are many reports of adverse reactions to vaccines every year that result in hospitalization, disability, or death.