Will changing the way a vaccine is administered change the potential side effects?
Most of us have been vaccinated as children for a variety of diseases. Many of us had a traumatic experience when receiving a vaccine, usually driven by our fear of being stabbed by a needle. Now, a new type of vaccine is on the rise. One administered without the need for a needle stick.
Recently, a new flu vaccine administered by shooting a mist up the nose has become available to the public. Researchers have also been working on a measles vaccine that is administered in a similar way. Right now, the injectable measles vaccine is manufactured by freeze-drying the live virus to create a powder and then reconstituting this powder with water at the time of administration. The problem with this is that in order for the vaccine to be effective, it must be given within a short period of time after the powder and water are mixed together. This vaccine, usually given as a combination MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine in the United States, also has many side effects, some more common than others. Some of these side effects include fever, rash, swollen glands, seizures, joint pain, low platelet count, anaphylaxis, deafness and even a decrease in cognitive function and brain damage.
Now scientists are testing a measles vaccine that leaves the water, and the needle, out. Instead of mixing the powder with water, a person would simply inhale the powder through his or her nose. Researchers have said that the vaccine is very effective when administered this way. But, what about side effects? Researchers have also said that those given the vaccine have had almost no side effects. While this needs to be investigated further, one thing is for sure: there are certainly no side effects associated with a needle stick.
If you have been injured by the side effect of a vaccine you received, you may be entitled to compensation. Vaccine injury attorney, Leah V. Durant, can help. Contact her office by calling (202)800-1711 to discuss your case today.