August is National Immunization Awareness Month
With summer coming to a close and students start filling the classroom, we are now nipping the heels of flu season. With August being national immunization awareness month, we as individuals should take the proper precautions protecting ourselves and our loved ones, by getting vaccinated against the flu.
Now, most people are eligible to get the vaccine when your local pharmacy/doctor’s office makes it available, but everyone should be aware of the risk.
Affluenza Vaccine Risks?
The flu vaccine has been associated with numerous types of complications, such as allergic reactions, Guillain Barré syndrome, a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration, and vasovagal syncope. If you believe you have developed one of the previous illnesses after receiving a flu vaccine, note that you may be entitled to compensation para the National Vaccine Compensation Injury Program.
Anaphylaxis
The flu vaccine can contain allergens, such as eggs, gelatin, aluminum salts, thimerosal, and antibiotics. Please discuss with your doctor if you have an allergy to any ingredient listed and if the flu vaccine is safe for you.
Guillain Barré Syndrome
Guillain Barré syndrome (GBS) is a condition wherein one's immune system attacks their nerves, causing debilitating effects such as weakness, severe pain, and paralysis. As a direct result of Flu vaccines, GBS is very rare, and their connection is not wholly conclusive; however, multiple sources suggest an association between the two may exist.
Many cases exist in the National Vaccine Compensation Injury Program alleging that vaccines cause GBS. Many are successful. In 2018, the court decided a case affirming the causal connection between the flu vaccine and GBS. In that case, the court awarded the injured party.
SIRVA/Vasovagal Syncope
Since SIRVA and Vasovagal syncope are common rare complications of all vaccinations, they are still part of the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. Shoulder injury related to vaccine administration, or SIRVA, can cause an array of issues ranging from mobility issues to constant pain. It is treatable with physical therapy and other treatment plans. Vasovagal syncope can happen from any vaccination you receive. It occurs when you faint because your body overreacts to certain triggers, such as sight of blood or extreme emotional distress. Vasovagal syncope causes your heart rate and blood pressure drop suddenly. Very treatable and has rare occurrences of major medical intervention.
The Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) was established by the Federal Government to provide compensation for people injured by vaccines. For more information on the VICP, or to schedule a free consultation, contact The Greenwood Law Firm.
Sources:
https://ecf.cofc.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/show_public_doc?2018vv0406-80-0
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321207#who-should-avoid-them
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/whoshouldvax.htm