Children and adults in the United States have received billions of vaccinations over the past decade alone. Although these vaccines can help people avoid serious diseases and illness, in some cases, they can actually cause more damage than good. In fact, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services has a Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) that helps victims secure financial compensation if they’ve been injured due to a vaccine covered within the program.

If you or someone close to you has suffered the side effects of a vaccine and you wish to explore your options for seeking compensation, meet with a dedicated personal injury attorney at Robinson Yablon Cooper & Bonfante, LLP as soon as possible.

Vaccine Injuries Impact People Of All Ages

It is well known that vaccines can cause a wide variety of side effects—some of which can be life-threatening. The following are injuries and illnesses associated with some of the more common vaccines out there today.

Chicken pox vaccine: Most children in the United States receive the chicken pox (or varicella) vaccine around the age of 12 months, although some adults who were not vaccinated as children may receive it, as well. This vaccine is associated with side effects like fever, pneumonia, seizures, swelling, low blood count and brain damage.

Influenza vaccine: Many physicians recommend both adults and children get a flu shot each year. However, these vaccines only protect against certain strains of the flu, and public officials can only guess what those strains will be in any given year. Allergic reactions, fever, vomiting, headaches and muscle pain are common side effects of the flu vaccine.

Hepatitis B vaccine: While the Hepatitis B vaccine is quite effective at preventing a very serious condition, it can also cause illnesses of its own. Allergic reactions, fever, breathing problems and soreness at the injection site are all commonly associated with the Hepatitis B vaccine.

HPV vaccine: This vaccine protects against the Human Papilloma Virus, which is the most common sexually transmitted disease. Most children in the United States receive this vaccine at the age of 12. In some cases, the vaccine may cause side effects like fatigue, seizures, headaches, fever, breathing problems and fainting.

MMR vaccine: Usually administered to children in several injections between the ages of 12 and 16 months, this vaccine is meant to protect against the dangerous illnesses of the mumps, measles and rubella. Risks associated with the MMR vaccine include brain damages, fevers, seizures, blood disorders and deafness.

Tetanus vaccine: Both children and adults commonly get vaccinated for tetanus, protecting them from several dangerous illnesses. However, the vaccination itself may lead to brain damages, anaphylaxis, allergic reactions, fever, vomiting and Parsonage-Turner Syndrome, a serious nerve disorder.

Answers to commonly asked questions on vaccine injuries

What should I do after a vaccine injury?

The first step you should take after you or a loved one has experienced complications after receiving a vaccine is to visit a doctor. A medical professional will conduct an examination and will likely be able to determine if you are dealing with vaccine-related side effects.

When should I contact a vaccine injury attorney?

As soon as it becomes apparent that you or someone close to you has suffered a vaccine injury, you should consult an attorney with experience in this specific area of personal injury law. A skilled lawyer will outline all your options and assist with the VICP process as needed.