When you go to your doctor’s office or pharmacy to receive a vaccine, you expect to avoid getting sick, especially if you’re receiving a flu shot to prepare for the upcoming or ongoing flu season. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. Sometimes, vaccines can cause illnesses or produce injuries. By understanding how your shot should be administered, and knowing the symptoms of an oncoming illness, you can prevent an injury or receive medical attention before it’s too late.
Common Vaccine Injuries & Illnesses
Flu shots, as well as vaccines for rotavirus, tetanus, HPV, measles, and hepatitis B, are known to cause illnesses and injuries, despite their role in helping to prevent them. Like any medicine, vaccines can cause unexpected side effects and allergic reactions.
Some common injuries associated with vaccines include:
- Shoulder injuries
- Encephalitis, which occurs when an infection affects the brain, producing headaches and fatigue
- Anaphylaxis, which is an allergic reaction to the vaccine that can result in hives and swelling of the throat
- Myelitis, which can cause damage to motor and sensory nerves and create symptoms like blurred vision
Helpful Tips to Prevent Injuries
Fortunately, being aware of how flu shots are supposed to be given as well as knowing which symptoms suggest illness is helpful in reducing or preventing injuries.
Some safety tips that can help you this flu season include:
- Knowing the proper site of injection: The needle should be inserted into the deltoid muscle on the outside of your upper arm and should be inserted at 90 degrees. Needles that are inserted too high on the arm can produce shoulder injuries.
- Knowing the symptoms of flu shot injuries: If you have recurring headaches, are suddenly fatigued, or are experiencing an allergic reaction like itchy hives and a swollen throat, it’s important that you seek medical attention immediately.
- Asking questions: Don’t be afraid to ask your health care provider questions if you have any concerns for your health or the health of your child.
Despite some of the dangers that can come from flu vaccines, we still highly recommend that you receive a flu shot each year to prevent an illness that can put you out of work and in bed for days and sometimes, weeks.
Helping Clients Heal Safely
Our vaccine injury lawyers at The Groth Law Firm, S.C. have helped thousands of clients who have been injured in car accidents and slip and falls, but also those who have gotten sick or injured through being administered a vaccine. If you or a loved one, including a child, has been sickened by a vaccine, you deserve a legal team on your side who can help conduct a thorough medical investigation to determine liability. With more than 100 years of combined experience, our lawyers can be trusted to understand your situation and use our resources to help you achieve compensation, so you can focus on healing.
Call The Groth Law Firm, S.C., or contact us online if you’ve been injured or fallen ill due to a vaccine. Our vaccine injury lawyers are devoted to helping clients achieve justice, and we don’t win until you do.