Vaccines are largely considered vital to human health. They prevent the spread of contagious diseases, viruses, and infections by boosting the immune system with stronger defenses.
That being said, it’s important to note that there are bacterial infections that don’t have any vaccines, yet. In addition to that, there are also risks associated when getting immunized. Injuries, illnesses, and medical conditions related to vaccination range widely from allergic reactions to tissue damage, and vary in severity depending on the type of vaccine and the physical health of the person receiving the vaccine. The treatment of injuries is also contingent on the severity, the nature of the injury itself, and how it has affected the individual’s health.
If you suffer a bad reaction or injury as a result of getting vaccinated, you have the option of hiring the services of a vaccine injury attorney and claiming compensation for your inconvenience and pain. Although cases are statistically rare in proportion to the number and frequency of vaccinations that occur on a global scale, it’s important to be aware of the potential health risks and adverse side effects that can result from vaccines, and what symptoms to be vigilant of.
The following are the three most common vaccine-related injuries and their symptoms.
1. Shoulder Injury Related To Vaccine Administration (SIRVA)
This is not a life-threatening injury but can cause varying degrees of pain and discomfort. It occurs when a vaccine is improperly administered, or the body’s immune system has a strong response due to built-up immunity from previous vaccinations.
The symptoms include muscle soreness and weakness, and limited mobility in the shoulder joint. SIRVA symptoms have been known to last for months to even years. In severe cases, patients have to undergo shoulder surgery.
There are four sub-categories of injuries that are specific to the shoulder where the vaccine is typically injected:
- Adhesive capsulitis (“Frozen Shoulder”)
- Tendonitis
- Rotator cuff injury
- Shoulder bursitis
Each type of SIRVA injury requires a different level and manner of therapeutic treatment to alleviate the symptoms from the body’s response to a vaccine. Anti-inflammatory prescription medications, such as Prednisone, oral and injective steroids, over-the-counter pain medication, and physical therapy are all viable treatment options for managing the symptoms of SIRVA.
2. Flu Shot Guillain-Barre Syndrome
Commonly known as GBS, Flu Shot Guillain-Barre Syndrome is an autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to attack the nervous system. It’s been associated with common vaccines, including flu, tetanus, Gardasil, and Hepatitis B.
GBS can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. There’s no known cure for GBS, but immunoglobulin and plasma exchange therapy are used to treat the disorder and its symptoms.
Early-onset symptoms vary and may spread or worsen with time. Here are the symptoms of GBS:
- Weakness or tingling in the legs
- Painful sensations in the extremities
- Impaired breathing
- Impaired bladder and bowel control
- Muscle cramping and pain
- Impaired ability to walk
- Loss of reflexes
- Change in heart rate and blood pressure
3. Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura
Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP) is another immune disorder that can be caused by vaccinations in which the blood can’t clot properly due to low platelet count.
The symptoms of this disorder are easy and severe bruising as well as excessive bleeding due to low platelet levels. Treatment entails increasing platelet counts with medication and, in the worst-case scenario, spleen removal. Adults are more affected by this in the long term than children, who usually recover more swiftly.
Symptoms are not always immediately apparent but it’s helpful to be aware of them, especially right after you’ve been injected with a vaccine. Here are the signs and symptoms that are indicative of ITP:
- Blood in urine or stool
- Nose bleeds
- Bleeding gums
- Abnormally heavy menstrual flow
- Excessive bruising or rashes
Conclusion
Vaccines are intended to protect individuals and communities from illnesses that have the capacity to spread widely and quickly. Being informed about all the benefits and risks of getting vaccinated against anything is critical for your safety and well-being.
Online resources are available to guide your decisions around vaccinations for you and your loved ones, and what you can expect regarding potential injury or illness. Some side effects are considered normal and common, but severe and persistent pain after being vaccinated is a red flag for a serious injury that may necessitate treatment. If you do contract an illness or suffer an injury due to vaccination, consult with your doctor about getting treated for symptoms before moving into legal action, if you’re inclined to do so.
Vaccines need to be federally approved before being legally dispensed, and should always be administered in a socially responsible way that’s conducive to public health and safety.
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