While tetanus vaccine injuries are rare, vaccine recipients report these injuries in a small percentage of cases. For vaccine recipients and parents, it is important to be aware of the signs of a possible vaccine-related injury—and to know when legal action may be warranted. Here are some important insights from the experienced vaccine injury attorneys at Law Offices of Leah V. Durant & Associates:
4 Medical Conditions Linked to Tetanus Vaccines
Tetanus vaccines (including the DTaP, DTP, DT, Td and TT vaccines) are primarily linked to four specific medical conditions. These medical conditions are listed on the Vaccine Injury Table, which provides a non-exclusive list of injuries and illnesses covered under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP).
The medical conditions listed as “on table” injuries for the tetanus vaccines are:
1. Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction. While rare, it may result from receiving a tetanus vaccine in some cases. Early signs of anaphylaxis can include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Dizziness
- Hives and flushed or pale skin
- Sudden drop in blood pressure
- Sudden increase in pulse
- Vomiting
- Wheezing
This list is not exhaustive, and people who have allergies may experience the effects of anaphylaxis differently. Ultimately, vaccine recipients, parents, and other loved ones who have concerns about a possible severe allergic reaction for any reason should consult with a medical professional promptly.
2. Brachial Neuritis
Brachial neuritis, also known as Parsonage-Turner Syndrome, has also been linked to tetanus immunizations in a small percentage of cases. It affects the brachial plexus, which is the bundle of nerves traveling from the spine through the shoulder and down to the hands. Early signs of brachial neuritis can include:
- Limpness in the arm or shoulder
- Loss of muscle control in the arm or shoulder
- Loss of sensation in the arm or shoulder
- Paralysis of the arm or shoulder
- Upper arm or shoulder pain
Brachial neuritis typically affects one side of the body (in tetanus vaccine injury cases, it typically affects the side of the body where the vaccine was administered). Here too, vaccine recipients may experience other (or alternate) symptoms as well, and seeing a doctor is essential for obtaining an accurate diagnosis.
3. Shoulder Injuries Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA)
Shoulder injuries related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) are a risk with all vaccines administered via shoulder injection. This includes the tetanus vaccines. While SIRVA is also rare overall, they are among the most common types of vaccine-related medical conditions. Early signs of SIRVA can include:
- Limited range of motion
- Muscle weakness
- Pain in the shoulder near the injection site
- Pain that radiates away from the injection site
- “Pins and needles” sensation, tingling, or numbness
It is important to note that SIRVA can take a variety of forms, each of which can present differently in its early stages. For vaccine recipients, parents, and others who have concerns about a possible vaccine-related shoulder injury, obtaining a diagnosis is the first step toward making informed decisions about their (or their loved one’s) medical needs and their legal rights.
4. Vasovagal Syncope
Vasovagal syncope occurs when a person faints, “because [their] body overreacts to certain triggers.” As the Mayo Clinic goes on to explain, “[t]he vasovagal syncope trigger causes your heart rate and blood pressure to drop suddenly. That leads to reduced blood flow to your brain, causing you to briefly lose consciousness.”
While the Mayo Clinic notes that vasovagal syncope “is usually harmless and requires no treatment,” fainting unexpectedly can potentially lead to injuries from falls and related complications.
When Can (and Should) Someone File a VICP Claim for a Tetanus Vaccine Injury?
As noted above, all of these conditions are generally covered under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) when they result from tetanus immunizations. The VICP is a federal government program that has paid billions of dollars in financial compensation to vaccine recipients and their families over the past 40 years.
While timing restrictions and other conditions apply, individuals and families who are coping with medical conditions covered under the VICP are generally eligible to file claims for compensation. With this in mind, we strongly recommend speaking with one of our vaccine injury attorneys if:
- A tetanus vaccine recipient has been diagnosed with one of the medical conditions discussed above;
- It has been less than three years since the onset of symptoms, and,
- The vaccine recipient (or the recipient’s parent or other family member) is interested in pursuing compensation for the financial and non-financial costs resulting from the diagnosis.
Importantly, while tetanus vaccine recipients and their families have up to three years to file a VICP claim in most cases, it is not recommended to wait any longer than necessary to take legal action. Not only can waiting delay a claimant’s financial recovery (if their VICP claim is successful), but it can also make pursuing a successful claim more challenging. Talking to an attorney is the first step in the process, and under the terms of the VICP, vaccine recipients and family members can hire an attorney to handle their claim at no cost.
Many people are unsure of whether they can (and should) file a VICP claim after experiencing complications linked to a tetanus vaccination. This is completely understandable. An experienced attorney will be able to help you make an informed decision about whether to take legal action—and, if you decide to file a VICP claim, your attorney can guide you step-by-step through the legal process.
Contact the Vaccine Injury Attorneys at Law Offices of Leah V. Durant & Associates
Do you have questions about filing a claim under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) related to a tetanus vaccine injury? If so, we strongly encourage you to get in touch. To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with one of the experienced vaccine injury attorneys at Law Offices of Leah V. Durant & Associates, please call 202-775-9200 or tell us how we can reach you online today.