Pneumococcal vaccines help prevent several different types of bacterial infections, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend vaccination in the early years of childhood and for seniors in most cases. However, while pneumococcal vaccines approved for use in the United States are generally safe for most people, some recipients experience severe allergic reactions and shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA).

Approved Pneumococcal Vaccines and Recommended Vaccination Schedules

There are currently two pneumococcal vaccines approved for use in the United States. In general, the CDC recommends that children receive a pneumococcal vaccine before two years of age and that adults receive a pneumococcal vaccine after age 65. The CDC also recommends doses of the vaccine for older children and adults with certain medical conditions and risk factors. The approved pneumococcal vaccines are:

  • Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (Prevnar13® or PCV13) – Four doses administered at two months, four months, six months, and 12 through 15 months for children; one dose administered to children two through four years old who did not receive a complete series; and, one to two doses administered to older children and adults having certain medical conditions and risk factors (i.e. chronic heart or lung disease).
  • Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccines (Pneumovax23® or PPSV23) – One dose administered after age 65, unless a doctor recommends administration of PCV13 due to an immunocompromising condition, cochlear implant or cerebrospinal fluid leak. The CDC also recommends use of PPSV23 instead of PCV13 for younger individuals with certain health conditions and risk factors.

Although both pneumococcal vaccines are recommended by the CDC for use in the general population, because pneumococcal conjugate vaccinations are recommended for use in children, only injuries resulting from the conjugate vaccines are covered under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program.

Injury Risks Associated with the PCV and PPSV Vaccines

Common side effects of pneumococcal vaccines include redness and swelling at the injection site, fever, loss of appetite, irritability, fatigue, headache, muscle aches and chills. These side effects are usually mild, and typically subside within a few days. More severe reactions that linger or worsen over time could be signs of a serious vaccine-related injury. The most common injuries associated with the PCV and the PPSV vaccines are:

Severe Allergic Reactions

Severe allergic reactions are a risk that may be experienced with any type of vaccination. Symptoms typically begin within minutes, and a severe allergic reaction to the pneumococcal vaccine should generally be treated as a medical emergency.

Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA)

Shoulder injury related to vaccine administration can occur due to the improper administration of a vaccine which combines with the vaccine antigen to produce long lasting pain or injury to the affected shoulder. Errors that can occur during vaccine administration may be; use of an incorrect needle, insertion of a needle at an improper angle, or an injection that is administered either too high or too deeply into the shoulder. SIRVA can manifest in many ways, including injuries such as:

  • Adhesive capsulitis (also known as frozen shoulder)
  • Rotator cuff tears
  • Bursitis
  • Tendonitis

Talk to a Pneumococcal Vaccine Injury Lawyer for Free

Filing a claim with the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) can provide a source of financial recovery for individuals and families suffering from injuries related to the pneumococcal vaccine. At Law Offices of Leah V. Durant & Associates we provide no-cost legal representation for VICP claims nationwide. To learn more about your rights under the VICP, contact our office to obtain a free and confidential consultation. Call 202-775-9200 or tell us how we can contact you online today.