While vaccinations are routine procedures that carry strong recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), they still carry certain risks. Flu shots, tetanus shots, and other CDC-recommended vaccinations are known to cause a variety of injuries and illnesses, and errors during the vaccine administration process can lead to various types of painful and debilitating shoulder injuries. As a result, before getting vaccinated, all individuals should consult with their physicians to make sure the risks of immunization do not outweigh the benefits.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor Before You Get Vaccinated
1. What are the risks?
While shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) is a risk with all types of vaccinations, all vaccines carry certain additional risks as well. Some of these include acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), anaphylaxis, Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) and transverse myelitis.
2. What are common side effects?
Minor side effects are common with most types of vaccinations. Generally speaking, these side effects should not impair your ability to function as normal, and they should subside within a matter of hours or days. Knowing what you should expect can help you quickly identify the symptoms of a potentially-serious illness or injury.
3. What are the potential signs of a vaccine-related injury or illness?
To ensure that you are able to seek medical treatment promptly if necessary, it will be helpful to know the symptoms of any potential injuries and illnesses associated with your specific immunization.
4. Will I need a booster shot?
Some types of vaccinations require a booster shot, and some don’t. Find out if you will need to come back for a booster shot; and, if so, be sure to mark the date on your calendar.
Information to Tell Your Doctor Before You Get Vaccinated
1. You have a pre-existing medical condition.
Certain pre-existing medical conditions can increase vaccine recipients’ chances of experiencing negative effects. Weakened immune systems, long-term health problems and certain neurological disorders are all examples of conditions that can increase the risks associated with some types of vaccinations.
2. You have an allergy.
Some vaccines contain egg proteins and other ingredients that can trigger severe allergic reactions. If you have an allergy, be sure to mention it to your doctor before you get vaccinated.
3. You have a history of negative reactions to immunizations.
If you have a history of negative reactions to immunizations, this may or may not lead your doctor to advise against a subsequent immunization. Everyone’s medical circumstances are unique, and certain vaccines present greater potential risks than others.
4. You are pregnant or may become pregnant.
Some vaccines are recommended during pregnancy, and some aren’t. If you are trying to get pregnant, the CDC recommends making sure you are up to date on all of your vaccinations. You can learn more on the CDC’s website, Maternal Vaccines: Part of a Healthy Pregnancy.
Experienced Legal Representation for Individuals Diagnosed with Vaccine Injuries
Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC is a national law firm that represents individuals diagnosed with vaccine-related injuries and illnesses. If you have questions and would like to speak with a vaccine injury lawyer in confidence, we encourage you to call (202) 800-1711 or contact us online for a free consultation.
Leah Durant Bio
The Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC represents 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. To learn more, contact vaccine attorney Leah Durant today.