Can a Vaccine Cause Vasovagal Syncope?

Vasovagal syncope, a condition that results in fainting due to a sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure, is a condition that has been linked to several of the standard vaccinations that are recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While only a very small percentage of vaccine recipients will experience vasovagal syncope as a result of their vaccinations, for those that do, the consequences can potentially be severe.

Vasovagal Syncope is an “On Table” Injury Under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP)

Vasovagal syncope is listed as an “on table” injury for many of the CDC’s recommended vaccines. This means that individuals who experience symptoms of vasovagal syncope within one hour of their vaccination can seek financial compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) without needing to present proof of the specific cause of their condition. Vaccines for which vasovagal syncope is listed as an “on table” injury include:

  • Hemophilus influenzae type b vaccines (Hib)
  • Hepatitis A and B vaccines
  • Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines
  • Meningococcal vaccines
  • Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines
  • Seasonal influenza vaccines (annual flu shot)
  • Vaccines containing tetanus toxoid (DTaP, DTP, Dt, Td and TT)
  • Vaccines containing pertussis bacteria or antigens (DTP, DTaP, P and DTP-Hib)
  • Vaccines containing measles, mumps and rubella virus (MMR, MM and MMRV)
  • Vaccines containing inactivated polio (IPV)
  • Varicella (chickenpox) vaccines

However, due to the complexities involved in filing a claim under the VICP, it is still strongly recommended that all individuals who need to seek financial compensation consult with an experienced vaccine attorney. Most VICP claims involve “on table” injuries, and the HRSA notes that “most people hire a lawyer.”

Important Considerations for Seeking Financial Compensation for Vasovagal Syncope

An important aspect of the VICP is that it only provides financial compensation for conditions that require surgery, that last six months or longer or that result in death. Since vasovagal syncope is a short-term condition which, by itself, does not generally have any long-term effects, this presents a challenge when it comes to filing a successful claim.

However, another important aspect of the VICP is that it provides compensation for “on table” injuries and any “sequela,” or medical conditions that result from “on table” injuries. With regard to vasovagal syncope, the HRSA states, “[v]asovagal syncope is usually a benign condition but may result in falling and injury with significant sequela.”

In other words, in most cases, VICP claims involving vasovagal syncope will relate to injuries sustained in falls caused by fainting. Falls can cause a number of potentially-serious injuries, particularly when it is not possible to brace or avoid coming into contact with dangerous objects. If you or a loved one was seriously injured in a fall after becoming lightheaded following any of the vaccinations listed above, you may have a VICP claim, and we encourage you to contact us for a free initial consultation.

Discuss Your Legal Rights with Vaccine Attorney Leah V. Durant

For more information about seeking financial compensation for the effects of vasovagal syncope following a vaccination, please call 202-800-1711 or contact us online to schedule an appointment with national vaccine attorney Leah V. Durant. You do not have to pay anything out of pocket for VICP representation.

Leah Durant Bio

Experienced litigation attorney Leah Durant focuses on representing clients in complex vaccine litigation matters. Leah Durant is the owner and principal attorney of the Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC, a litigation firm based in Washington, DC. Leah Durant and her staff represent clients and their families who suffer from vaccine-related injuries, adverse vaccine reactions and vaccine-related deaths. The Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC is dedicated to assisting individuals in recovering the highest level of compensation as quickly and efficiently as possible. To learn more, contact vaccine attorney Leah Durant today.