Can Vaccines Cause Intussusception (AKA Intestinal Blockage)?

The Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) compensates people who have been injured by vaccines they received in the United States. Certain injuries and reactions have been associated with specific vaccinations. One of these known injuries is a condition called intussusception.

Intussusception happens when one segment of intestine slides into the next segment of intestine. It usually occurs when the small intestine “telescopes” into the large intestine, causing an intestinal obstruction (blockage). As a result, the intestine swells and inflames. Intussusception happens more often in children, specifically infants between the ages of 15 weeks and 8 months.

Which Vaccines Can Trigger Intussusception?

In most cases, this condition happens after being exposed to a virus that produces swelling in the lining of the intestine. When we’re talking about vaccine injuries, the rotavirus vaccination is known to trigger intussusception in rare cases.

On the Vaccine Injury Table create by the VICP, it states that if a patient receives the rotavirus vaccination and experiences the onset of intussusception symptoms between 1-42 days later, he or she meets the criteria of the Table and may qualify for compensation.

The VICP only covers the first two doses of the rotavirus vaccine. It doesn’t cover claims following the third dose of a rotavirus vaccine.

What are the Symptoms of Intestinal Blockage (and How Long is the Recovery)?

According to the Table, here are the symptoms of a vaccine-induced intussusception injury to watch out for in your child:

• Sudden onset of abdominal pain manifested by crying
• Irritability
• Vomiting
• Swelling
• Blood in the stool

Intussusception symptoms usually begin with abdominal pain or cramping lasting anywhere from 10 to 15 minutes. As the Table indicates, other children may show signs of nausea or rectal bleeding.

The intestinal blockage may be identified during a physical examination but will usually be confirmed with an ultrasound.

There are two common ways to treat intussusception. The first option is an enema, either a liquid contrast enema or an air contrast enema. Basically, the intestine is pushed back into place during the enema. This method is a radiological procedure, not a surgical procedure.

If the intussusception cannot be treated via enema, laparoscopic surgery will have to be performed. During his procedure, a small incision is made in the child’s abdomen. Surgical instruments are used to push the intestine back into place.

Can Intussusception from the Rotavirus Vaccine Cause Permanent Damage?

Most children fully recover from an intussusception injury. As soon as they are able to eat a regular diet of solid food, they are discharged from the hospital. They often return to their normal routine fairly quickly.

Typically, in order to qualify for compensation, the VICP limits claims to only those vaccine injuries that last for at least six months. Prior to 2000, the VICP would not have been available to petitioners alleging an intussusception injury.

Thankfully, the VICP was amended in 2000 to include vaccine injuries that result in surgical intervention. That opens the door to you if your child suffered an intussusception injury from the rotavirus vaccine and had to undergo surgery as a result.

Injured by a vaccine? Contact us today for a free case review

If you believe you have been injured by a vaccine, you may be entitled to compensation. Please call us 24/7 at (312) 578-9501 or fill out the form at the bottom of the page to get started. Our consultations are always free.