2021 Year In Review: What We Learned about Vaccine Injuries and VICP Claims

It’s hard to believe that 2021 is already coming to a close. While the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccines dominated most of the vaccine-related headlines during the year, there were some notable stories unrelated to the pandemic as well. Here is a look back at some of the topics we covered and the information we shared throughout the year: Continue reading

2021 Mid-Year Statistics from the VICP

It’s hard to believe, but we’re already halfway through 2021. Despite the continuing pandemic, it has been a busy year for the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). Through June 1, the VICP is on pace to issue the highest number of compensation awards in its history, and it is also on pace to see the most filings ever in a single year. In this article, vaccine injury attorney Leah V. Durant discusses some of the most notable statistics from the latest VICP Data & Statistics Report issued by the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Continue reading

CDC Provides Guidance for Getting the Flu Shot During the COVID-19 Pandemic

While the COVID-19 vaccine is making headlines – and with good reason – it is important to remember that this isn’t the only vaccine the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend. We are currently in the middle of the 2020-2021 flu season, and the CDC has stated that getting the flu vaccine is “more important than ever” during the pandemic. Continue reading

What are the Signs of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS)?

Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) is a potentially serious medical condition that has been linked to the annual flu shot. The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) provides compensation for GBS from the flu shot, and GBS is presumed to result from the flu shot when symptoms onset within three to 42 days of immunization. When it comes to GBS and the flu vaccine, there is a lot you need to know—including when to seek treatment and when to pursue a VICP claim. Continue reading

Should You Still Get a Flu Shot During the COVID-19 Crisis?

Among the many concerns raised by the COVID-19 crisis, one question many people have is whether they should still get their annual flu shot. The 2020-2021 flu season is here, and this is the time of year when many individuals and families visit their doctors, pharmacies and health departments to get vaccinated. Continue reading

Vaccination Information for Women Who are Pregnant

During pregnancy, vaccinations can provide protection against certain diseases for both the mother and the child. As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains, “Pregnant women share everything with their babies. That means when a pregnant woman gets vaccines, she isn’t just protecting [herself]— she is giving the baby some early protection too.”

While the CDC provides general vaccine recommendations for adults, it provides certain specific recommendations for women who are pregnant. If you are expecting a child, it will be important for you to speak with your doctor about getting vaccinated during your pregnancy. Continue reading

What Should I Do if My Child is Complaining of Shoulder Pain After Getting a Flu Shot?

Shoulder pain is among the most-common complaints following vaccinations among both children and adults. In general, vaccine injections are expected to cause a moderate amount of shoulder pain, with this pain subsiding within 24 to 48 hours.

However, if shoulder pain following a vaccination persists, or if the pain is more than a mild throb at the injection site, it could potentially be symptomatic of a vaccine-related injury. These injuries, known as shoulder injuries related to vaccine administration (SIRVA), are among the most-common complications from vaccine injections, and they are a risk for vaccine recipients of all ages. Continue reading

When Should Pain Go Away After a Flu Shot?

Getting the annual flu shot provides important protection for you and those around you. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that, “[a] flu vaccine is the first and best way to reduce your chances of getting the flu and spreading it to others,” and it recommends that almost everyone six months of age and older get vaccinated against influenza each year.

The annual flu shot has a handful of potential side effects, but the CDC describes these side effects as “generally mild.” These side effects include, “[s]oreness, redness and/or swelling from the shot.” Continue reading

CDC: Infant Flu Hospitalizations are Significantly Higher than Expected

According to recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), infant flu hospitalizations in several countries are “at least double previous estimates.” Although the list of countries does not include the United States, the study nonetheless sheds light on some important considerations for health care providers and parents domestically. Continue reading

CDC Releases FAQs for the 2019-2020 Flu Season

The 2019-2020 flu season is here. Each flu season, well over 100 million Americans get vaccinated, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that, on average, the flu shot protects 40 to 60 percent of recipients against infection annually.

5 Highlights from the CDC’s 2019-2020 Flu Season FAQs

For individuals and parents who have questions about the annual flu shot, the best thing to do is to consult with your physician. However, the CDC has also published answers to a number of frequently-asked questions (FAQs) about the flu vaccine for the 2019-2020 flu season. Here are some of the highlights: Continue reading