Many of us look to vaccines as a way to improve our health and keep us safe from sickness and disease. However, in some cases, vaccines can be harmful. People can get reactions from vaccines that can cause them to become severely injured. These injuries can result in long-term health conditions, hospitalizations, surgeries, and even death.
Fortunately, people that experience adverse reactions to vaccinations can be compensated. The US government created a National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (NVICP) that allows people that experience vaccine-related injuries to be covered for damages. This article will take a look at some of the reactions and disorders covered by the NVICP.
What Vaccines are Covered by the NVICP?
Several vaccinations are covered under the NVICP. These include the following.
- Diptheria, Tetanus, Pertussis
- Haemophilus influenzae type b
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Human papillomavirus
- Seasonal Influenza
- Measles, Mumps, and Rubella
- Meningococcal
- Pneumococcal conjugate
- Polio
- Rotavirus
- Varicella
Reactions and Disorders
When these vaccinations are administered, it is not uncommon for people to experience mild side effects such as a low fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, and pain and swelling at the site of the injection. However, sometimes more serious injuries can occur. These severe injuries often call for extensive medical treatment and the damages that occur may be covered by the NVICP.
Here is an example of some of these disorders.
- Brachial Neuritis: This is a form of peripheral neuropathy that affects the chest, shoulder arm, and hand. It is characterized by pain or a loss of function in the nerves that carry signals to and from the brain and spinal cord and allow communication throughout the body.
- Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS): This is a rare neurological disorder in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks part of its peripheral nervous system which is located outside of the brain and spinal cord. It can result in weakness and tingling throughout the body. In some instances, paralysis can occur.
- Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP): This is an immune disorder in which the blood doesn’t clot normally. It is caused by an unusually low level of platelets in the blood. It can result in excessive bruising and bleeding.
- Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA): This is a rare adverse effect of an improperly administered vaccination. It occurs when an injection is administered too high on the arm and the vaccine is delivered to the shoulder capsule instead of the deltoid muscle.
- Vasovagal Syncope: This occurs when the body overreacts to certain triggers such as the sight of blood or extreme emotional distress. Although it is usually not serious, it can cause heart rate and blood pressure to drop which can lead to more serious health conditions in certain people.
- Anaphylaxis: This is an allergic reaction that can occur within seconds or minutes of exposure to an allergen. It can result in skin rash, nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, and shock. If not treated immediately, it can result in unconsciousness and death.
Finding the Right Lawyer for Your Vaccine Related Injuries
If you had an adverse reaction from a vaccination that has resulted in a long-term health condition, you need the right lawyer on your side. A good lawyer will help you navigate the terms of the NVICP so you can get the compensation you deserve.
If you are looking for a vaccine injury lawyer you can trust, the Groth Law Firm is highly recommended.
The Groth Law Firm has years of experience in personal injury law. They pride themselves in offering a high level of client service and will always know the status of your case. They employ a team of investigators to give you every advantage when it comes to getting the compensation you deserve.
If a vaccination negatively affected your quality of life, the Groth Law Firm has got your back. They will see to it that justice is served.