With vaccine injections, it is normal to experience acute stinging or dull pain that dissipates in the hours following the vaccination. It is not normal for this pain to linger, worsen or spread to other parts of the arm or shoulder. Unfortunately, while this pain is not normal, studies show that it is becoming increasingly common.
Typically, enduring shoulder pain following a vaccine injection is the result of an error during the vaccination process. Mistakes during vaccine administration can cause a variety of shoulder injuries, all of which can result in prolonged or enhanced pain. But, this pain will often be just one of several effects, and complications from vaccine-related shoulder injuries can have severe long-term consequences for individuals of all ages.
Which Vaccines Can Cause Shoulder Pain?
Since shoulder pain is typically the result of an error in vaccine administration, it is a risk with all injected vaccines. This includes:
- Annual flu shot
- Hepatitis A and B vaccines
- Human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccines
- Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccines
- Shingles vaccines
- Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis vaccines (DTaP, DTP, DT, Td or TT)
- Varicella (chickenpox) vaccines
When administering vaccinations, physicians, nurses and other medical professionals must inject the vaccine according to clearly-established protocols that determine everything from the size of the needle to the angle and depth to which the needle is to be inserted. Any deviation from these protocols can cause damage to the muscles, nerves or other soft tissue in the arm or shoulder, and this can lead to a variety of different painful shoulder injuries.
What are the Long-Term Consequences of Vaccine Shoulder Injuries?
Vaccine-related shoulder injuries can lead to various complications. One of the most common complications associated with vaccine-related shoulder injuries is chronic pain. These injuries (also known as “shoulder injuries related to vaccine administration,” or “SIRVA”) can lead to limited mobility, loss of muscle strength, infections and other complications as well. Many patients will need surgery and long-term rehabilitation; and, even with extensive treatment, they still may not be able to make a full recovery.
Due to the potential for these significant effects, it is important for anyone experiencing enduring shoulder pain after a vaccination to seek medical and legal help promptly. Under the federal government’s National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP), vaccine recipients diagnosed with shoulder injuries can seek compensation for their medical expenses, loss of income, and pain and suffering. The first step in recovering compensation under the VICP is to obtain an accurate medical diagnosis, as your attorney will need copies of your medical records in order to file a claim on your behalf.
Are You Entitled to Compensation for a Vaccine Shoulder Injury?
If you have been diagnosed with a shoulder injury following a vaccine injection, you can contact the Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC for a confidential consultation. Your initial consultation is completely free, and we can provide representation at little or no out-of-pocket cost to you. To speak with an experienced vaccine lawyer about your case, please call (202) 800-1711 or send us a message 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.