5 Most Common Types of Vaccine Injuries You Need to Know

For most people, vaccines offer effective immunity from many serious illnesses. Today, getting diagnosed with polio or mumps is rare, and scientists often point to the success of these injections.

However, while these vaccines may be useful in preventing certain diseases, they can create other serious health problems for some people. Every year, thousands of people report adverse effects of vaccines to the national government. While it can be difficult to determine just how many people are affected and to what extent the vaccines cause the injury, a federal program acknowledges these negative consequences of vaccines and offers victims compensation for their injuries through the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program.

Types of Injuries Most Commonly Associated With Vaccines

Many vaccines are known to cause some soreness at the injection site and possible mild symptoms related to the disease associated with the vaccination. Unfortunately, some people experience significant symptoms that can cause pain, loss of body function, and even death. The most common injuries reported to the national database include:

• Shoulder injury. Shoulder injuries can occur both from the contents of the vaccine or from the administration of the injection. Injuries can range from frequent soreness or pain to the complete loss of use of the shoulder.
• Guillain-Barré syndrome. This syndrome has been linked to a number of vaccines, including the yearly flu shot. Guillain-Barre symdrome happens when your immune system turns on itself, causing damage to nerve cells. This reaction, in turn, leads to muscle weakness and paralysis. While Guillain-Barré syndrome typically resolves within weeks, it can cause lasting nerve damage.
• Encephalitis. Encephalitis occurs when an infection or the body’s immune response to an infection affects the brain. Symptoms include a headache, fever, fatigue, weakness, and pain. While many cases resolve with time, it can be unpredictable and should be monitored by a healthcare provider.
• Anaphylaxis. In some cases, a person is allergic to the vaccine or the ingredients in the vaccine itself. This can cause a strong reaction with symptoms that range from itchy hives to fainting and swelling of the throat.
• Myelitis. Though myelitis is not completely understood, it has been linked to inflammation of the spinal cord that causes damage to motor and sensory nerves. Symptoms of myelitis include blurred vision, depression, pain, weakness, paralysis, bladder and bowel dysfunction, and more. There is currently no cure for myelitis, though treatment may provide some relief.

No Matter Which State You Live In, We Can Help You File for Compensation for Your Vaccine Injury

Even if your symptoms aren’t listed here, or you’re unsure if they are related to your vaccination, reach out to our experienced lawyers at Shannon Law Group, P.C. Our legal team has helped others just like you, and we can offer you the guidance and assistance you need to move forward best. Call us today at (312) 578-9501, or take a moment to fill out our contact form.