When you get a flu shot or other vaccination, it is normal to experience mild pain at the injection site. But, what if your pain lingers? What if it gets worse over time? What if you start to experience other effects, such as reduced strength or limited mobility in your shoulder? These are all possible symptoms of a class of injuries known as “shoulder injury related to vaccine administration,” or “SIRVA.”
Unlike other common vaccine injuries, SIRVA do not result from adverse reactions to particular vaccine ingredients. Instead, they result from damage to the muscle or other tissue in the shoulder as a result of mistakes made during the vaccination process. This includes mistakes such as inserting the needle in the wrong location, inserting the needle at the wrong angle and using a needle that is the wrong size for the vaccine recipient’s sex and weight.
Understanding the Risks, Symptoms and Effects of SIRVA
Recent studies have shown that SIRVA are alarmingly common. As a result, it is important for vaccine recipients to be aware of the risk of SIRVA and to know how to spot the symptoms and effects of vaccine-related shoulder injuries. Individuals who experience these symptoms and effects should seek medical attention promptly, and they should speak with an experienced vaccine injury lawyer about filing a claim under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP).
What are Some of the Risk Factors for SIRVA?
Since SIRVA result from mistakes during immunization, the risk factors primarily relate to the methods used by the immunizing health care provider. Some of the mistakes that can cause and contribute to SIRVA include:
- Failing to accurately record the vaccine recipient’s weight
- Failing to ask the vaccine recipient to fully expose his or her shoulder
- Asking the vaccine recipient to pull his or her collar down rather than rolling up a sleeve
- Rushing through the steps involved in the immunization process
What are the First Symptoms of SIRVA?
Pain is usually the first symptom of SIRVA. Any pain beyond mild discomfort is a potential warning sign, with the likelihood of an injury increasing if the pain is severe or worsens rapidly. Other potential symptoms of SIRVA include:
- Sharp pain or weakness in the arm or shoulder
- Reduced range of motion
- Diminished strength
- Stiffness in the arm or shoulder
What are the Potential Long-Term Effects of SIRVA?
The potential long-term effects of SIRVA vary depending upon the specific type of shoulder injury that is diagnosed. Read about the different forms of SIRVA to learn more.
Contact Us for a Complimentary VICP Claim Evaluation
The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) is a federal government program that pays financial compensation to individuals diagnosed with SIRVA and other vaccine injuries. If you have been diagnosed with SIRVA and would like to learn more about your legal rights under the VICP, you can call 202-800-1711 or contact us online for a free claim evaluation.
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.