Vasovagal Syncope and Vaccines: What You Should Know

Vasovagal syncope—commonly known as fainting—is a condition recognized on the Vaccine Injury Table for several different vaccines. While fainting is often a brief event, it can lead to serious secondary injuries if a person falls or suffers other complications.

What is Vasovagal Syncope?

For Vaccine Injury Table purposes, vasovagal syncope (or neurocardiogenic syncope) means a "loss of consciousness (fainting) and postural tone caused by a transient decrease in blood flow to the brain occurring after the administration of an injected vaccine."

The Vaccine Injury Table describes vasovagal syncope as a generally benign condition, but notes it may result in falling and injury with significant sequela. It may be preceded by symptoms such as:

• Nausea

• Lightheadedness

• Diaphoresis (sweating)

• Pallor (paleness)

While it can be associated with transient seizure-like activity, a key characteristic is that the person generally recovers their orientation and consciousness almost immediately upon waking.

Which Vaccines are Linked to Vasovagal Syncope?

Under the Vaccine Injury Table, vasovagal syncope is a covered injury for nearly all injected vaccines (intramuscular, intradermal, or subcutaneous) when the first symptom occurs within 1 hour of administration. Covered vaccines include:

• Seasonal Influenza Vaccines

• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccines

• Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B Vaccines

• MMR, MM, and MMRV Vaccines

• Meningococcal Vaccines

• Tetanus-containing Vaccines (DTaP, Tdap, DTP, DT, Td, TT)

• Polio Inactivated Virus Vaccines (IPV)

• Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) Vaccines

• Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccines

• Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines

• Any new vaccine recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for routine administration to children and/or pregnant women, after publication by the Secretary of a notice of coverage

Vasovagal Syncope on the Vaccine Injury Table (Key Timing + Exclusions)

To qualify as a "Table" injury, the fainting episode must meet specific criteria. The following are not considered "Table vasovagal syncope":

• Onset occurring more than 1 hour after the vaccine was administered.

• Loss of consciousness resulting from other conditions, such as:

  • Organic heart disease or cardiac arrhythmias

  • Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)

  • Hyperventilation or metabolic conditions

  • Neurological conditions or actual seizures

• Recurrent fainting episodes that occur after the initial 1-hour window (these are generally not considered "sequela" of the initial Table event).

The Severity Requirement

Even if an injury like vasovagal syncope meets the Table's timing and diagnostic criteria, the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) requires that the injury meet a “severity” threshold. You can file a petition when the effects of the injury:

1. Lasted for more than 6 months after the vaccination; OR

2. Resulted in inpatient hospitalization and surgical intervention; OR

3. Resulted in death.

In many syncope cases, the severity requirement is met because the fainting caused a fall that resulted in a traumatic brain injury, broken bones, or dental trauma requiring surgery.

Legal Considerations and the VICP

If you believe you or a loved one suffered a serious injury due to vasovagal syncope after a vaccination, you may be eligible to file a claim in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims (“Vaccine Court”). The VICP can provide compensation for:

• Medical expenses

• Lost wages or income (where applicable)

• Pain and suffering

Contact a Vaccine Injury Lawyer Today

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.

Sources

• Vaccine Injury Table