“SIRVA,” or “shoulder injuries related to vaccine administration,” describes a set of injuries that are linked to errors during the vaccine injection process. These injuries are entirely unrelated to the ingredients of the vaccines being injected; instead, they result from improper administration such as inserting the needle too high on the arm or too deep into the shoulder.

While SIRVA are a concern for individuals who get immunized, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other authorities take the position that the risk of SIRVA (and other vaccine-related injuries and illnesses) is far outweighed by the potential consequences of choosing not to get vaccinated. As stated in a recent article on Verywell Health:

“While it is clear that incorrect administration of a vaccine into the shoulder joint or the shoulder bursa can cause a severe inflammatory response and chronic shoulder pain, it is also clear that vaccines are effective at preventing life-threatening diseases. Furthermore, careful administration of vaccines can help to ensure that SIRVA will not be a problem for you.”

3 Tips for Reducing the Risk of SIRVA

In order to reduce the risk of SIRVA during a flu shot or other vaccine injection, the article offers these three tips:

  • Make sure the individual administering your vaccine has been properly trained. There are clear protocols for administration of intramuscular (IM) and subcutaneous injections, and these protocols should be followed for every injection.
  • Make it easy to administer your vaccine appropriately. Providing easy access to the proper injection site can help ensure that your vaccine is not administered too high or too low on the shoulder. Take your shirt off if you are comfortable, or wear a shirt that allows you to easily expose your shoulder and upper arm.
  • Make sure you know the symptoms of SIRVA. If you experience symptoms of SIRVA, you should seek medical attention right away. Prompt treatment can help prevent complications from certain types of injuries, and seeing a doctor promptly will provide the greatest opportunity for a full and speedy recovery.

If you have any concerns about vaccine safety or proper administration of your vaccinations, you should not be afraid to ask. It is your health, after all, and an experienced healthcare professional should be more than willing to help you feel comfortable (or advise you of alternatives, if vaccination poses risks based upon your personal health and medical condition). If you do not feel confident in a particular provider’s care or recommendations, there are plenty of good doctors out there, and an experienced internist will be able to help you make an informed decision about getting immunized.

Law Offices of Leah V. Durant & Associates | Legal Representation for SIRVA Claims Nationwide

Individuals diagnosed with vaccine-related shoulder injuries can seek financial compensation for their medical expenses and other losses under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). The VICP has paid more than $3 billion to vaccine recipients since 1988, and you can hire a vaccine lawyer at little or no financial cost. To learn more in a free and confidential consultation, call us at 202-775-9200 or contact us online. We look forward to speaking with you soon.