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Shoulder Injuries from Vaccines: What You Need to Know

The Greenwood Law Firm Nov. 15, 2024

Vaccines are essential for protecting our health, but the process of administering them can sometimes lead to unintended injuries. One such condition is known as Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (“SIRVA”).

SIRVA is a preventable shoulder injury that occurs when a vaccine is inadvertently injected into the shoulder joint or surrounding structures, rather than the intended deltoid muscle. This can trigger an inflammatory response, leading to debilitating symptoms like persistent pain, decreased range of motion, and even long-term damage.

Understanding SIRVA

SIRVA has gained more attention in recent years as patients have filed claims with the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program.

SIRVA is not a specific medical diagnosis, but rather a legal term that describes a range of possible shoulder injuries caused by improper vaccine administration. These can include:

  • Bursitis: Inflammation of the fluid-filled bursa sacs that cushion the shoulder joint

  • Rotator cuff injuries: Tears or inflammation of the tendons that stabilize the shoulder

  • Adhesive capsulitis: Also known as "frozen shoulder," this condition causes stiffness and restricted range of motion

Recognizing the Symptoms

The key signs of SIRVA include:

  • Shoulder pain that begins within 48 hours of receiving a vaccine

  • Reduced range of motion in the affected shoulder

  • Symptoms that do not improve with over-the-counter pain medication

It's important to note that SIRVA symptoms can be easily mistaken for other common shoulder injuries. The distinguishing factor is the close temporal relationship between the vaccination and the onset of symptoms.

Seeking Proper Treatment

If you develop persistent shoulder pain or limited mobility following a vaccination, it's crucial to seek medical attention right away. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for managing SIRVA and preventing long-term complications.

Typical SIRVA treatments include:

  • Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce inflammation

  • Physical therapy to restore range of motion and strength

  • Corticosteroid injections to target the area of inflammation

  • In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary

In some instances, SIRVA can also aggravate pre-existing shoulder conditions, such as rotator cuff tears. If symptoms fail to improve with conservative treatments, further imaging and evaluation by an orthopedic specialist may be required.

Preventing SIRVA

Healthcare providers play a critical role in preventing SIRVA and other injection-related injuries. Proper vaccine administration technique, including correct identification of the injection site and use of the appropriate needle length, is essential.

Patients can also advocate for their care by being aware of the potential risks and speaking up if they experience immediate, severe pain during a vaccine administration. If a provider recognizes they have potentially injected a vaccine into the shoulder joint, they should promptly inform the patient and monitor for the development of SIRVA symptoms.

While vaccines are generally safe and effective, it's important to be vigilant about potential complications like SIRVA. By understanding the risks and seeking prompt medical attention when needed, those affected can work towards a full recovery and potentially pursue compensation through the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program.

Source: Bancsi A, Houle SKD, Grindrod KA. Shoulder injury related to vaccine administration and other injection site events. Can Fam Physician. 2019 Jan;65(1):40-42. PMID: 30674513; PMCID: PMC6347325. Available: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6347325/