Can a Vaccine Cause a Rotator Cuff Injury?

It’s a known fact: vaccines save lives. They’re given to people every day to combat serious diseases. Unfortunately, they sometimes cause side effects and injuries. One serious injury that can happen with any vaccine is SIRVA (Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration).

If someone has SIRVA, they may be diagnosed with a rotator cuff injury. Damage to the rotator cuff can occur if a vaccine is administered too high on the shoulder.

This shoulder injury from a vaccine can be very painful and often requires months of treatment. The patient may be unable to do tasks they once enjoyed. This injury robs people of living to their fullest potential.  

If you received a torn rotator cuff diagnosis due to a vaccine, Shannon Law Group, P.C. is here for you. Our team of lawyers has experience representing those like you who have suffered due to vaccination. Call us today at (312) 578-9501 for a free consultation, or use the contact us form on the page to get started. 

Otherwise, keep reading to learn more about rotator cuff injuries due to vaccines.

How do vaccinations cause rotator cuff injuries? 

When a vaccine isn’t given properly, it can cause a vaccine injury that is known as SIRVA, or “Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration.” According to NCBI, SIRVA occurs when a vaccine is inserted too high or too deep. It ends up being administered into the shoulder joint, instead of the deltoid muscle. 

SIRVA itself is an umbrella term that covers a variety of shoulder injuries from vaccines. Sometimes, a specific diagnosis may follow, such as rotator cuff tear. According to the Mayo Clinic, the rotator cuff is the group of muscles, ligaments, and tendons that surround the shoulder joint, which keeps the upper arm bones in the shoulder socket. When the needle is injected in the wrong location, the shoulder joint may become inflamed,  causing these tendons and muscles to tear.  

What are the symptoms of vaccine-related rotator cuff injury? 

The rotator cuff is a large area of the shoulder, and it is essential to its functionality. If a rotator cuff becomes injured due to a vaccination, you may experience a limited range of motion, as well as: 

• Shoulder pain within 48 hours after receiving the vaccine.
• Reduced range of motion in the affected shoulder. You have trouble brushing your hair or reaching behind your back. 
• Arm weakness.
• Disturbed sleep. 
• Shoulder pain that lasts for weeks after the vaccine. It’s sometimes described as a dull ache deep in the shoulder joint. 

Always make sure to consult with a medical professional if you believe you have sustained a SIRVA injury. 

What are my SIRVA treatment options? 

When it comes to treating SIRVA, there are several options for those who have been injured. These treatment options range in levels of intensity; your doctor will recommend the best course of action for you. Their recommendations may include: 

• Rest. SIRVA typically involves inflammation of the muscles and tendons in the shoulder area. Resting the affected area can help reduce inflammation. 
• Steroid Injections: If the pain continues after resting the affected shoulder, a doctor may suggest steroid injections to decrease the inflammation and reduce pain.
• Physical Therapy: Physical therapy is often a common recommendation for those with a SIRVA diagnosis. During therapy, you will gradually regain strength and use of the injured shoulder. 
• Surgery: If other treatment options don’t improve your pain, your doctor may recommend surgery to repair the injury.  

Can I receive compensation for my SIRVA injury? 

Yes. If you have a should injury from vaccination, you may be entitled to compensation through the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). The VICP is a special no-fault program run by the  U.S. Federal Court of Claims in Washington, D.C. It was created to help those who have been injured due to a vaccine. It’s completely free to file a claim with the VICP. 

Any vaccine can cause a rotator cuff injury if it is injected too high on the shoulder. However, not every injection is covered under the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. All vaccines recommended by the Centers of Disease Control for children and pregnant women are covered under the VICP. The most common covered vaccines linked to rotator cuff tears are flu, TDaP, MMR, HPV, Hepatitis, and more. 

If you’re interested in learning more about the VICP, our attorney Jonathan Svitak has written a book, Vaccine Injuries: Understanding the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. It details everything you need to know about the program and what to expect when you file a claim. Click here to request a copy for free, no questions asked. 

Experience a Rotator Cuff Injury after a Vaccination? Our Vaccine Injury Attorneys Can Help 

If you have been a victim of a SIRVA injury resulting in a rotator cuff tear, you are not alone. Every day, our compassionate team of vaccine injury attorneys helps those like you who have been hurt by a poorly administered vaccination get the compensation that they deserve. If you hire us, we will file petitions to the VICP on your behalf, so you can focus on recovering physically and emotionally. The program also pays attorney fees, so it is of no extra cost to you. 

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our lawyers by either calling us at 312-578-9501 or fill out the contact us form on the article.