Flu season is on us again and The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)) recommends that all persons over the age of six months be vaccinated annually against the flu. Flu vaccines change annually since strains of the flu are constantly changing, making annual flu shots necessary.
The CDC points out that the flu can be dangerous and even fatal especially in the young and in those 65 years of age or older.
Uncomfortable mild side effects to the flu vaccine sometimes occur. These may include redness or swelling or at the site of the injection, a low-grade fever, or general aches and pains. More serious side effects are more rare. These may include an allergic reaction causing difficulty in breathing, dizziness and tachycardia requiring medical attention. There is also evidence that an adverse reaction to the flu vaccine may cause the onset of Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS).
Certain injuries from the flu vaccine may compensable under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program depending on the type of symptoms or injury, and their onset and duration. As of March 21, 2017 the Vaccine Injury Table was modified to include injuries sustained to the arm and shoulder by the administration of the flu vaccine itself (SIRVA) (needle injuries), vasovagal syncope, and Guillain-Barre syndrome as compensable injuries under the compensation program assuming the onset and duration of the symptoms meet the requisite criteria.
If you have suffered the more serious side effects or injuries from the flu vaccine, you may be entitled to compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program.
If you or someone you know has been injured by the flu vaccine, feel free to live chat with our vaccine injury attorneys, or contact us here.