Didn’t Get Vaccinated During the 2020-2021 Flu Season? The CDC Still Recommends Getting a Flu Shot

As flu season draws to a close, many people are realizing that they never got around to getting their annual flu shot. With everything going at the end of 2020 and the start of 2021, this is understandable. Despite low vaccination rates, the 2020-2021 flu season was one of the least-impactful on record (due in large part to social distancing and mask-wearing to prevent the spread of COVID-19), and the low number of flu-related deaths is being viewed as one of the few silver linings of the pandemic.

With all of that said, for individuals who haven’t gotten a flu shot since 2019 or early 2020, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) still encourage immunization: “CDC recommends annual influenza vaccination for everyone 6 months and older with any licensed, age-appropriate flu vaccine (IIV, RIV4, or LAIV4) with no preference expressed for any one vaccine over another.” As flu vaccine injury attorney Leah V. Durant explains, there are some practical safety considerations to keep in mind when getting a flu shot.

3 Safety Considerations for Getting a Flu Shot in 2021

1. Observe COVID-19 Safety Protocols

The CDC is still recommending influenza vaccination for most people during the COVID-19 pandemic. When getting vaccinated, all individuals should follow mandatory COVID-19 safety protocols and any other protocols that they may personally feel are necessary.

2. Know How to Identify Flu Shot Errors that Present Risks for SIRVA

It is up to your healthcare provider to ensure that he or she administers your flu shot appropriately. However, when getting vaccinated, you can be on the lookout for mistakes that have the potential to lead to injuries. For example, the needle should be inserted into the deltoid muscle at 90 degrees to the skin’s surface, as administering the shot too high, too low or at the wrong angle can potentially cause a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA).

3. Know How to Identify the Symptoms of Flu Shot Injuries

While mild side effects are common, flu shots can also lead to potentially-serious injuries and illnesses. Anyone who experiences symptoms of SIRVA, anaphylaxis, Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), or Parsonage-Turner Syndrome following a flu shot should seek medical attention promptly.

What To Do if You Experience a Flu Shot Injury or Illness

In addition to seeking medical attention promptly, anyone who experiences a flu shot injury or illness should also seek legal advice from a flu vaccine injury attorney. The financial and non-financial costs of SIRVA, anaphylaxis, GBS and other flu shot injuries can be substantial. The good news is that compensation is available, and a flu vaccine injury attorney can help you file a claim under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) at no cost.

Schedule a Free Consultation Regarding Your Flu Vaccine Injury

If you would like to know more about your legal rights under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, you can schedule a free, no-obligation consultation at the Law Offices of Leah V. Durant PLLC. To discuss your flu vaccine injury claim in confidence, call 202-800-1711 or tell us how we can contact you online today.

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.