Shoulder injuries related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) can take many forms, which means they can present with a range of symptoms. While all forms of SIRVA are covered under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP), recognizing a vaccine recipient’s symptoms is essential for filing a timely and successful claim. Learn more from an experienced vaccine injury attorney.

Understanding Shoulder Injuries Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA).

SIRVA is not a single injury, but rather a class of injuries linked to errors during the vaccine administration process. These include errors such as using the wrong-size needle and administering a vaccine too high or too low on the arm.

Not all vaccination errors result in shoulder injuries related to vaccine administration (SIRVA). In fact, SIRVA (like all vaccine-related injuries and illnesses) is extremely rare overall. But vaccine-related shoulder injuries do occur, making it important for vaccine recipients to be aware of potential signs of SIRVA.

Reduced Range of Motion is a Common Symptom of SIRVA

While each form of SIRVA has its own unique set of symptoms, reduced range of motion is a common symptom among many types of vaccine-related shoulder injuries. This includes (but is not limited to):

  • Adhesive capsulitis
  • Brachial neuritis
  • Rotator cuff tears
  • Shoulder bursitis
  • Tendonitis

Depending on the nature of a vaccine recipient’s shoulder injury, their injury can impact their range of motion in various ways. With this in mind, the most common effects are:

  • Limited Ability to Swing the Arm Forward or Backward (or Both) – Some forms of SIRVA can limit a vaccine recipient’s ability to swing their arm forward or backward (or both). These are the typical movements of walking and running, and they are essential for many activities of daily life.
  • Inability to Lift the Arm Outward – Some forms of SIRVA can also restrict vaccine recipients’ ability to lift their arm outward. While this movement is less common, it is still necessary for a variety of tasks, such as driving and placing or retrieving items overhead.
  • Inability to Raise the Arm Over the Shoulder – Certain forms of SIRVA can also prevent vaccine recipients from raising their arm over their shoulder. This can involve the inability to raise the arm directly upward or to swing it in a full circle. While these movements are also less common, having this type of restricted shoulder mobility can still have several day-to-day impacts.

Regardless of how a reduced range of motion impacts a vaccine recipient’s daily life, treatment and recovery can be essential to avoiding (or, in some cases, mitigating) any long-term consequences. For vaccine recipients with VICP claims, filing a claim provides an opportunity to seek compensation for medical bills and lost wages incurred during recovery. The VICP also pays up to $250,000 to eligible vaccine recipients for pain and suffering.

Important Steps for Vaccine Recipients Who Experience Reduced Range of Motion in the Shoulder

With all of this in mind, for vaccine recipients who experience reduced shoulder range of motion, there are some important steps to take promptly. These steps include (but are not limited to):

1. Seek a Medical Diagnosis

Obtaining appropriate treatment for SIRVA begins with obtaining a medical diagnosis. As a result, vaccine recipients experiencing reduced range of motion and who have not yet seen a doctor should do so promptly. To assist with their diagnoses, vaccine recipients should inform their doctors about their recent immunizations.

Since SIRVA can take many forms (and SIRVA is not the only potential cause of reduced range of motion), an accurate diagnosis is essential. Vaccine recipients who have concerns about the accuracy of their diagnosis should not hesitate to seek a second opinion.

2. Keep All Relevant Documentation

Vaccine recipients who experience a reduced range of motion should keep all relevant documentation. This includes documents related to their vaccination, SIRVA diagnosis, and any time missed from work:

  • Vaccination record
  • Medical records
  • Medical bills
  • Prescriptions
  • Employment records

Having access to these records will be important for filing a SIRVA claim under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). These are not the only records needed, but gathering these (if possible) is a good place to start. An experienced vaccine injury attorney can assist with gathering additional documentation as needed.

3. Go Through Treatment and Recovery as Prescribed

Vaccine recipients who are diagnosed with SIRVA should go through treatment and recovery as prescribed (or seek a second opinion, if necessary). Not only can this be important for mitigating the risk of long-term effects, but it can also be important for seeking full compensation for vaccine recipients’ medical expenses and other costs under the VICP.

4. Document the Daily Effects of SIRVA

As noted above, eligible VICP claimants are entitled to seek up to $250,000 in compensation for their pain and suffering. To seek this compensation, VICP claimants must be able to present evidence of the daily effects of their SIRVA diagnoses. While an experienced vaccine injury attorney can assist in gathering this evidence, it can be helpful for potential VICP claimants to document the effects of their SIRVA diagnoses on a daily basis.

5. Schedule a Free Consultation with a Vaccine Injury Attorney

Vaccine recipients who have questions about filing a SIRVA claim under the VICP should schedule a free consultation with a vaccine injury attorney. An experienced attorney will be able to explain the process of filing a claim and assess a vaccine recipient’s eligibility to seek compensation. In addition to providing free consultations, vaccine injury attorneys can represent their clients at no cost.

Speak with an Experienced Vaccine Injury Attorney About Your Legal Rights for Free

If you would like more information about filing a SIRVA claim under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP), please get in touch. To discuss your situation with an experienced vaccine injury attorney in confidence, please call 202-775-9200 or request a free consultation online today.