Polymyalgia rheumatica is an inflammatory disease that has been linked to several CDC-recommended vaccines. While the specific reason why these vaccines cause polymyalgia rheumatica remains unknown, the link has been recognized in claims filed under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). Continue reading
Author Archives: Leah Durant
2022 Year-End Data for Vaccine Injury Claims Under the VICP
Each year, the U.S. Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) publishes annual statistics on claims filed under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). The VICP is a federal program that pays financial compensation to eligible claimants who are coping with the effects of vaccine-related injuries and illnesses. Here, vaccine injury lawyer Leah V. Durant highlights some of the key figures from the HRSA’s 2022 year-end data for vaccine injury claims under the VICP: Continue reading
How Is a Flu Vaccine Injury Diagnosed?
Injuries from the flu shot are the most common type of vaccine-related injury. Of course, this is due in large part to the fact that the flu shot is the most common vaccine administered in the United States. Each year, around half of the U.S. population gets a flu shot, and a small percentage of flu shot recipients experience a flu vaccine injury. Continue reading
Why Do You Need a Flu Shot Each Year? (and Answers to More Common Questions about the Flu Vaccine)
Have you ever wondered why you need a flu shot each year? Are you wondering whether it is safe for you (or your child) to get a flu shot because of a recent diagnosis? Are you curious about how effective the flu shot really is at preventing influenza? If so, you are not alone. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recently released an online publication that answers several common questions about the annual flu shot. Continue reading
Which Vaccines Can Cause SIRVA?
Shoulder injuries related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) are painful, debilitating and potentially long-term injuries that can lead to substantial medical bills and other financial and non-financial costs. They are among the most common types of vaccine injuries, and each year we help dozens of individuals obtain compensation for SIRVA under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). Continue reading
Who Is At Risk for Vaccine-Related Complications?
Although the CDC’s recommended vaccines are considered generally safe for most people, some individuals are at greater risk than others for experiencing vaccine-related complications. Understanding your risk level (or your child’s risk level) is important so that you can make informed decisions about whether—and when—to get vaccinated. While the risks of getting vaccinated can outweigh the benefits for some people, it is also important not to avoid immunization based on misguided assumptions. Here is some important information from the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP): Continue reading
When Can You File a Vaccine Injury Claim for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)?
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic condition that has several possible causes, including vaccine administration. When individuals develop CRPS following receipt of a flu shot, hepatitis B vaccine, HPV vaccine or other vaccine listed on the Vaccine Injury Table, they can file for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). Continue reading
Resources from National Infant Immunization Week 2022 Still Available from the CDC
Each Spring, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognizes National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) to shine a spotlight on “the importance of protecting children two years and younger from vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs).” For 2022, the CDC placed particular emphasis on promoting timely vaccinations, noting “a troubling drop in routine childhood vaccination as a result of families staying at home” during the COVID-19 pandemic. Resources from NIIW 2022 are still available online. Here, vaccine attorney Leah V. Durant shares some of the highlights: Continue reading
How Do Vaccine Recipients Obtain Compensation Under the VICP?
The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) serves as a source of financial recovery for vaccine recipients and families who are coping with the effects of vaccine-related injuries and illnesses. While the VICP is a federal government program, obtaining compensation is not as simple as filing an application for benefits. Instead, claimants must file a petition in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims (also known as the “Vaccine Court”), and they must present sufficient evidence to prove that they qualify for compensation under the program. Both of these are steps that require the advice and representation of an experienced vaccine lawyer. Continue reading
The CDC is Still Encouraging Vaccination for the 2021-2022 Flu Season
While many people think of Spring as the end of flu season, the United States flu season doesn’t actually end until May. Additionally, even once flu season is over, getting the flu remains a possibility—and it can potentially be dangerous for individuals in high-risk populations. As a result, as the end of the 2021-2022 flu season nears, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are still encouraging vaccination against influenza. Here is some important information for individuals who have questions about influenza vaccination or concerns about getting a flu vaccine injury. Continue reading