Vaccines are critical to public health and serve as one of the most effective tools in preventing infectious illness and disease.
Although vaccines are necessary for keeping the public safe from illness and disease, like any form of medical treatment, although rare, the potential for adverse side effects or reactions does exist.
If you or a loved one has experienced long lasting shoulder pain, reduced range of motion, tingling sensations, burning or numbness following vaccination, you may be experiencing a vaccine reaction. Below are some of the more common signs and symptoms to be aware of when trying to determine whether an adverse vaccine reaction has occurred.
Symptoms of Vaccine Injuries
While the symptoms of vaccine injuries can vary depending upon the type of vaccine that was administered, listed below are some of the more common symptoms and injuries that can occur.
Guillain Barre Syndrome (or GBS). Guillain Barre Syndrome is serious autoimmune condition that causes an individual’s immune system to attack and damage the body’s nerve cells. While the exact cause of GBS remains unknown, the illness has been linked to certain vaccinations, such as the flu and tetanus shots. If you or a loved one experiences symptoms of GBS following vaccination, it is critical to seek early medical attention, followed by a firm diagnosis and medical treatment. Symptoms of GBS can include muscle pain or weakness, numbness and/or tingling sensations in the extremities (which generally beginning at the feet and progress upward), difficult walking or standing for long periods, difficulty speaking or breathing, or sensations to hot or cold temperatures.
Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (or SIRVA). If you or a loved one has experienced prolonged shoulder pain, stiffness, diminished strength, or reduced range of motion, you may have Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration. Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (or SIRVA) is an acronym to describe any of the maladies of the shoulder that can occur following the administration of a routine shoulder injection. SIRVA injuries may manifest as illnesses such as bursitis, tendinitis, rotator cuff tears or adhesive capsulitis, also known as frozen shoulder. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with pain or injury following vaccination, it is important to see your physician as soon as possible and to request a diagnostic procedure such as an MRI.
Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM). ADEM is another rare condition that causes the body’s immune system to attack the myelin. While ADEM is generally thought to be caused by an infection, diagnoses of ADEM have also been linked to the certain vaccinations and can occur months following an individual’s receipt of a vaccine. Symptoms can include loss of vision, muscle weakness, and/or difficulty coordinating simple movements. Should you or a loved one experience such symptoms following vaccination, is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Although symptoms noted above are some of the more common illnesses and injuries linked to vaccines, this list is not exhaustive. If you or a loved one has experienced prolonged pain or discomfort, and have received treatment for your condition, it may be time to seek the assistance of an experienced vaccine injury attorney who can help you obtain compensation for your injuries.
Seeking Compensation for Your Vaccine Injury
The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program was created to ensure that people injured by vaccines could receive compensation even if they were unable to pay legal fees to retain an attorney.
Since legal fees are covered for eligible individuals, it is wise to seek legal counsel if you have suffered a vaccine-related injury lasting longer than six months or if you have a loved one who has died due to a vaccine-related cause. The process of identifying a vaccine-related injury is complex. Hiring an experienced vaccine injury attorney can help you navigate this complicated legal process.
The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program provides legal assistance with no upfront cost for those who qualify. It is up to you, however, to contact an attorney to begin the process before it’s too late.
The Bottom Line
Science has proven that vaccines are a safe and effective tool for combating illness and disease. Although rare, vaccine reactions can occur, and when they do, obtaining prompt medical treatment and a diagnosis for one’s symptoms is critical.
If you or a loved one has experienced an adverse reaction following vaccination it is important to seek prompt medical treatment. Making contact with an attorney who specializes in vaccine law is important to ensuring you obtain any compensation to which you may be entitled.