In the United States, vaccines are a part of everyday life. Vaccines are encouraged and even required in our culture and it can therefore be difficult to consider the adverse effects they may have. But, these situations do arise. In two rare cases, parents suspect that their Wisconsin girls suffered and even died due to the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.
The 17 year old daughter of Jill Swanson went to the doctor and was vaccinated for Meningitis and HPV. After returning home from the doctor, the girl began having trouble walking. Swanson became concerned and called the doctor. While she was on the phone, her daughter began having difficulty breathing and experiencing chest pains. She later became delirious. Swanson rushed her to a clinic where they called emergency services. She was brought to the hospital and underwent various tests. She was released after the tests came back normal. The girl’s arm was swollen where she had received the HPV vaccine and this was the only clue that the severe reaction she suffered may have been the result of the shot. The girl’s doctor believes the reaction was caused by the vaccine.
A few weeks later, a young Wisconsin girl died after receiving the HPV vaccine. Described by her parents as healthy and lively, 12 year old Meredith Prohaska went to the doctor for a sore throat, received the HPV vaccine and died a few hours later. Within minutes of receiving the vaccine she became drowsy. A few hours later, her mother left her at home alone for thirty minutes. When she returned home she found the girl on the floor. She called 911 and attempted CPR but was unsuccessful. Meredith Prohaska was pronounced dead at the hospital later that day. An autopsy was performed on the child but the results were inconclusive. Further tests are being performed to pinpoint the cause of death. Prohaska’s parents believe that the child’s severe reaction and untimely death were the result of receiving the HPV vaccine.
It is important to be informed of all of the possible side effects before vaccinating your children or receiving a vaccine yourself. Although severe reactions to vaccinations are rare, they do sometimes occur. If you believe that you or someone you love has been injured by a vaccine, call vaccine injury attorney Leah Durant at the Law Offices of Leah V. Durant & Associates at (202)800-1711 for a free consultation today.