Can I Be Compensated for a Flu Shot Injury?
Since the inclusion of influenza as a covered vaccine, the majority of petitions for compensation filed in the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program involve the flu vaccine. According to data and statistics published this month, from January 1, 2006, through December 31, 2014, 1,581 petitions for compensation were filed alleging a vaccine injury related to flu vaccine. Of this total, 1,371 of these petitioners were compensated for their vaccine injury, whether by concession, court decision, or settlement by the parties. You can read the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Data Report generated by the Department of Health and Human Services at this link.
The Center for Disease Control reports that during this same time frame, the number of doses of flu vaccine distributed in the United States was over 1 billion. For the 2016-2017 season, manufacturers have projected they will provide as many as 157 to 168 million doses of injectable influenza vaccine for the U.S. market. While the vast majority of those who receive this vaccine experience no adverse reaction, adverse reactions to the flu shot do occur. If you think you or someone you know has been injured by a vaccine, compensation for the injury may be available.