Injuries and Side Effects Linked to Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccines

For decades, the only way to gain immunity to the chickenpox virus was through infection. In 1995, the chickenpox (varicella) vaccine debuted on the market. Now, kids and adults can get additional protection from this virus with little to no adverse side effects. 

However, the chickenpox (varicella) vaccine can cause serious side effects and injuries in people of all ages. These injuries are reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) every year. 

These adverse reactions range from a sore shoulder to getting chickenpox virus from the vaccine itself. 

In this article, we explore all of the side effects linked to chickenpox vaccinations, what to do if you suffer a vaccine injury, how you can pursue compensation from a federal trust fund. 

At Shannon Law Group, we help people injured by vaccines across the United States get the compensation they need to move forward with their lives. We do this by helping them file a petition in the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. 

If you suffered an injury from a chickenpox vaccine, contact us today at (312) 578-9501 to schedule a free consultation with one of our vaccine injury attorneys.

Not ready to speak with an attorney yet? No worries. Keep reading to learn more about varicella vaccine injuries. 

What is the Chickenpox (Varicella) Vaccine? 

As mentioned, the varicella vaccine debuted in 1995. Today, it helps prevent chickenpox (AKA varicella), an extremely contagious viral disease. Chickenpox can cause serious symptoms, including: 

• Skin infections 
• Pneumonia 
• Inflammation of the blood vessels 
• Swelling of the brain and/or spinal cord covering
• Bloodstream infections
• Bone or joint infections 
• Shingles (a painful rash that can develop years after infection) 

Many recover from chickenpox with no problem. However, it can be deadly for children younger than 12 months old, teenagers, adults, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems.

Sometimes, people with chickenpox become so sick that they are admitted to the hospital. On rare occasions, people can die from chickenpox. 

People who receive two doses of the chickenpox vaccination will be protected for the rest of their life. 

At the moment, there are two varicella vaccines manufactured by Merck available on the market: 

• Varivax. Varivax only offers protection against varicella. 
• ProQuad. ProQuad is a combination vaccination that protects against chickenpox, measles, mumps, and rubella. 

Who Should (And Shouldn’t) Get the Chickenpox Vaccination? 

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommend that children are vaccinated between 12 and 15 months old, and then again between the ages of 4 and 6. People over the age of 13 who have never been vaccinated or never had chickenpox should also receive two doses, at least 28 days apart.

There are rare exceptions to this rule. Anyone who meets the following criteria should talk to their doctor before getting vaccinated: 

• You’re pregnant or think you might be pregnant. Pregnant people should not get the varicella vaccine. 
• You have had an allergic reaction after a previous dose of a chickenpox vaccine. 
• You have severe, life-threatening allergies to components in the vaccine. 
• You have a weakened immune system, or you have a family history of immune system problems. 
• You are taking salicylates (including aspirin). 
• You have tuberculosis. 
• You have gotten another vaccine in the past 4 weeks. 

What Side Effects and Adverse Reactions Are Caused By the Chickenpox (Varicella) Vaccines? 

After getting a chickenpox vaccination, patients may experience mild side effects. These symptoms typically go away within a few days. 

Here’s what to watch out for: 

• Sore arm at the injection site 
• Redness or rash where the shot was given
• Fever 

If your symptoms persist for more than a few days, seek medical treatment as soon as possible. 

What Risks and Severe Injuries Are Associated with the Chickenpox (Varicella) Vaccines? 

Like any other vaccination or medicine, the chickenpox (varicella) vaccine has been connected with several rare conditions following administration in the United States. 

As such, the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program has recognized that the chickenpox vaccine can trigger the following four serious reactions:

Shoulder Injuries Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA)

SIRVA is one of the most common vaccine injuries that we are contacted about. A shoulder injury from the chickenpox vaccine can happen if the injection is given too high or too low on the shoulder. As a result, the needle is inserted into the shoulder capsule instead of the deltoid muscle, causing inflammation. 

If a patient has a shoulder injury, symptoms of SIRVA will begin within a few hours to days after administration of the varicella vaccine.

What are the telltale signs of a vaccine-related shoulder injury? Here are a few to know: 

• Shoulder pain within 48 hours after vaccination. This pain will only get worse with time, lasting for months. Over-the-counter pain medications may give you temporary relief, but never long enough to completely get rid of the pain. 
• Inflammation and/or swelling of the affected shoulder. The area may be sensitive and hot to the touch. 
• Reduced range of motion in the injured shoulder. You may find tasks that were once easy to do now difficult. For instance, you may experience pain and stiffness while lifting your arms to dress or reaching down to unload the dishwasher. 
• Shooting and/or burning sensations down your arm. 

If you’re experiencing any of the above SIRVA symptoms following a chickenpox vaccination, please make an appointment with your doctor. They can diagnose your shoulder injury and recommend the best treatment plan for you. 

It’s important to know that SIRVA isn’t a diagnosis; it is just a type of injury you can get from a vaccine. A doctor may diagnose you with a shoulder condition that can be triggered by a misplaced vaccination. 

These SIRVA-related injuries include:

• Shoulder Bursitis
• Shoulder Tendonitis
• Frozen Shoulder Syndrome (Adhesive Capsulitis) 
• Rotator Cuff Tears

After a SIRVA diagnosis, your doctor will plan a course of treatment that’s right for you. 

Typically, shoulder injuries from vaccines are resolved with the following medical treatment options: 

• Pain medications. These medications help with pain management and daily living. Your doctor may prescribe over-the-counter (OTC) medication like ibuprofen or Advil. If OTC pain medication doesn’t work, your doctor may then recommend prescription pain medicine. 
• Steroid (cortisone) injections. Cortisone is a powerful anti-inflammatory that is often used to treat shoulder injuries. It helps reduce pain and improve movement. 
• Physical therapy. People with SIRVA injuries are often prescribed physical therapy to regain strength and movement. 
• Surgery (if necessary). Surgery may be recommended if you have a tear in one of your tendons or ligaments in your shoulder. 

To learn more about SIRVA, read our article here. 

Disseminated Varicella Vaccine-strain Viral Disease 

Believe it or not, you can get chickenpox from the live varicella vaccine. It is rare, however. These infections may present with symptoms such as a skin rash or infection in another organ. For vulnerable populations, getting chickenpox can be dangerous to their health.

In the Vaccine Injury Table, varicella vaccine-strain viral disease is defined as a “varicella illness that involves the skin beyond the dermatome in which the vaccination was given and/or disease caused by vaccine-strain varicella in another organ.”

If the illness is severe, a patient may be admitted to the hospital for further treatment. If left untreated, the infection could become serious–and even fatal in some cases. 

Vasovagal Syncope (Sudden Fainting) 

Any vaccination can cause sudden fainting, including the chickenpox shot. Vasovagal syncope happens when you faint because your body overreacts to the vaccine. During the episode, your blood pressure and heart rate may suddenly drop. 

It’s not the fainting that’s dangerous–it’s what can happen afterward that is. If the patient is standing at the time of fainting, they may seriously hurt themselves as they fall. 

The Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) offers compensation for fainting after the chickenpox vaccine if you’re injured during the fall. 

To learn more about vasovagal syncope after vaccination, click here. 

Anaphylaxis (or Anaphylactic Shock / Allergic Reactions) 

There is a risk of anaphylactic shock with any vaccination. A serious allergic reaction can be deadly if not treated quickly. Signs of anaphylaxis after a chickenpox vaccine include: 

• A sudden rash or hives
• Low blood pressure (hypotension) 
• Wheezing and trouble breathing due to constriction of airways and a swollen tongue or throat
• A weak and rapid pulse
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dizziness or fainting

These symptoms of anaphylactic shock will appear within 4 hours after getting the varicella vaccine. 

Anaphylaxis can be easily treated with epinephrine (adrenaline) to stop the body’s allergic response. Doctors will also administer intravenous (IV) antihistamines and cortisone to reduce respiratory inflammation and swelling. 

But let’s say a patient with vaccine-induced anaphylaxis doesn’t seek treatment immediately. With every minute that passes, the patient risks becoming unconscious or dying. 

People who suffer life-long complications from an allergic reaction to a vaccine may be eligible for compensation from the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. 

Learn more about vaccine-related anaphylactic shock here.

How Do I Get Compensation for My Varicella Vaccine Injury? 

Since 1986, the U.S. Federal Court of Claims has been compensating vaccine injury victims through the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). This program allows victims to obtain compensation without having to sue their doctors or pharmaceutical companies. 

If you qualify, you may be eligible for compensation for any out-of-pocket medical expenses, past, and future lost wages, future medical expenses, and pain and suffering (up to $250,000). 

The path to compensation is not an easy one, however. You must meet certain requirements established by the VICP to be eligible. You will also have to prove through your medical records that your injury was, in fact, caused by the vaccine you received. You will also have to draft and file a petition, affidavits, and other documents to support your claim. 

While you can handle this process on your own, it’s best if you hire a vaccine injury lawyer like the ones at Shannon Law Group, P.C. to help you. 

Should I Hire a Chickenpox Vaccine Injury Attorney to Help Me with My VICP Claim?

Yes. You should hire a vaccine injury lawyer to help you with your claim. Why? 

First, it costs you nothing as a petitioner. The VICP pays for your attorneys’ fees and costs separately from your claim. No attorneys’ fees will be deducted from your overall compensation. 

Second, it saves you time so you can focus on getting better. You likely have no experience with the law and federal government. You’ll be behind the eightball if you manage your own claim. On the other hand, hiring an experienced vaccine injury lawyer like Jonathan Svitak will help your claim and give you more time to focus on recovering from your injury.