The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend the rotavirus vaccine for infants beginning at two months of age—with limited exceptions. While the approved rotavirus vaccines (RotaTeq and Rotarix) are generally considered safe, vaccine injuries still occur in a small percentage of cases. Learn what parents need to know about these risks from national vaccine injury attorney Leah V. Durant.
Mild Risks Associated with the Rotavirus Vaccine
Like all vaccines, the rotavirus vaccine carries a risk for certain side effects. The CDC classifies these side effects as “mild,” and they generally are not classified as vaccine injuries on their own. However, these side effects can also be symptoms of the vaccine injuries discussed below; and, as a result, parents whose children experience these side effects should monitor their children closely and seek medical attention promptly if necessary:
- Mild, temporary diarrhea
- Vomiting
Potentially Serious Risks Associated with the Rotavirus Vaccine
The CDC identifies two primary injury risks associated with the rotavirus vaccine. These injury risks are:
- Intussusception – As the CDC explains, “[t]here is a small risk of intussusception, a type of bowel blockage that is treated in a hospital, [and] that could require surgery.” Although intussusception is treatable if diagnosed promptly in most cases, certain health conditions, delayed diagnosis, improper treatment or other factors can potentially lead to permanent complications.
- Anaphylaxis – Anaphylaxis, or a severe allergic reaction, is a risk with all vaccines. The CDC notes that instances of vaccine-related anaphylaxis are, “estimated at less than 1 in a million doses, and usually happen within a few minutes to a few hours after the vaccination.” Similar to intussusception, anaphylaxis is generally treatable but can present long-term or fatal risks in some cases.
What if My Child is Diagnosed with a Rotavirus Vaccine Injury?
For parents of children who are diagnosed with intussusception or anaphylaxis following a rotavirus vaccination, it is important to speak with a vaccine injury attorney promptly. Short-term and long-term medical care can be incredibly expensive, and coping with the effects of a vaccine injury can entail other costs as well.
In many cases, parents of children diagnosed with rotavirus vaccine injuries will be eligible to receive financial compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). The VICP is a federal government program that has paid more than $4.2 billion to vaccine recipients and families since 1988. In most circumstances, parents can file claims without proof of the specific cause of their child’s vaccine injury. For example, with regard to intussusception, a child’s condition is presumed to be vaccine-related if symptoms onset within 1 to 21 days of vaccination—with limited exceptions.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Vaccine Injury Attorney Leah V. Durant
If you need to know more about seeking financial compensation for a rotavirus vaccine injury, we encourage you to get in touch. To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with vaccine injury attorney Leah V. Durant, call 202-800-1711 or tell us how we can reach 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.