Tetanus Vaccines and Vaccine-Associated Injuries
Tetanus toxoid-containing vaccines—such as DTaP, DTP, DT, Td, and TT—are critical in preventing tetanus and related diseases. While these vaccines are generally safe, the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (“VICP”) recognizes certain rare adverse reactions that may qualify for compensation.
Below are the injuries currently listed on the Vaccine Injury Table for tetanus toxoid vaccines, including the medically defined criteria and required timeframes for filing a claim.
Anaphylaxis (Onset: ≤ 4 Hours)
Anaphylaxis is a rapid, severe allergic reaction involving multiple organ systems. It typically occurs within minutes to a few hours after receiving a vaccine.
Signs and symptoms may include:
Swelling of the throat, tongue, or airway
Difficulty breathing or wheezing
Low blood pressure (hypotension)
Cyanosis (bluish skin)
Irregular heartbeat
Most cases resolve with emergency treatment, but anaphylaxis can be life-threatening. To qualify under the VICP, symptoms must appear within 4 hours of vaccination and affect at least two organ systems.
Brachial Neuritis (Onset: 2–28 Days)
Brachial neuritis is an inflammatory condition affecting the brachial plexus—the network of nerves that controls the shoulder and arm. It typically begins with severe shoulder pain, followed by:
Weakness in the upper arm
Muscle atrophy over time
Mild sensory loss
Abnormal EMG or nerve conduction studies (if needed)
Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA) (Onset: ≤ 48 Hours)
SIRVA occurs when a vaccine is injected too high or deep into the shoulder, affecting muscles, tendons, ligaments, or bursae. This is not a neurological injury.
SIRVA can lead to long-term pain, frozen shoulder, or limited range of motion if not properly treated.
Vasovagal Syncope (Onset: ≤ 1 Hour)
Vasovagal syncope, commonly called fainting, is a temporary loss of consciousness caused by a sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure after vaccination.
Symptoms may include:
Nausea or lightheadedness
Sweating and pallor
Brief loss of consciousness
Possible seizure-like movements
Rapid recovery
To be compensable, the episode must occur within one hour of the injection and not be related to other conditions like cardiac disease or seizures. Though often benign, fainting can result in secondary injuries from falling.
Legal Considerations and the VICP
Claims for tetanus vaccine-related injuries must be filed in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, also known as the “Vaccine Court.” Claimants must submit medical documentation and, where required, laboratory evidence confirming the presence of the vaccine-strain virus.
The VICP provides compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. Legal representation can help claimants meet these requirements and present a complete, well-supported claim.
Contact a Vaccine Injury Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one developed an injury, you may have a legal claim. At Texas Vaccine Lawyers, a Division of The Greenwood Law Firm, we help clients navigate the VICP claims process to seek justice for vaccine-related injuries. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options.
Source: Vaccine Injury Table