Quick Facts About the Influenza Vaccine
The flu is a virus which targets the respiratory system and is transmitted through infectious droplets. While it is possible to die from the virus, instances of death have sharply decreased with the introduction of the flu vaccine. During the 2016-2017 flu season alone, 145.9 million people were vaccinated against Influenza.
Many enjoy the 40-60% efficacy of protection offered by the vaccine without issue, but some patients do experience complications. With the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, it is possible to receive flu shot injury compensation.
What complications come with the flu shot?
There are several side effects associated with the flu vaccine, ranging from mild to serious. If you experience any of these serious reactions, you should seek medical attention immediately. In some cases, symptoms persist and develop into long-term illnesses.
Mild Side Effects include: Soreness, redness, and swelling at the injection site; Fainting; Aches; Fever (low grade); And/or nausea.
Serious Side Effects include: Difficulty breathing; Hoarseness; Swelling around the eyes or lips; Hives; Paleness; Weakness; Racing Heart; Dizziness; Changes in behavior; And/or high fever.
Vaccine Injuries Associated with the Flu Include:
- Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM)
- Brachial Neuritis
- Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP)
- Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)
- Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP)
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
- Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA)
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
- Transverse Myelitis (TM)
How can I pursue flu shot injury compensation?
Vaccines are an important part of public health – saving lives by preventing disease. Most of the time, vaccines are administered without any serious problems. Like with any medication, however, there is a risk of side effects, ranging from mild to serious.
For this reason, the US government created the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (NVICP), a “no-fault” alternative to the traditional legal system. Petitions can be filed by any individual, at any age, after developing an injury believed to be a result of a covered vaccine. From 1988 to 2017, $3.6 billion have been awarded to petitioners through the NVICP. You could receive flu shot injury compensation.
Of all compensation awarded by the NVICP, 80% comes as a result of a negotiated settlement between the parties in which it is not concluded, based upon review of the evidence, that the alleged vaccine(s) caused the alleged injury. Petitions often go to settlement to minimize risk of loss, time, and expense of litigating a case.
According to the HRSA, 37.71% of the 5,353 compensated petitions from 1988 to 2017 were a result of complications with the influenza vaccine. Of the 3,404 influenza petitions during the same time period, 59.31% of petitioners received flu shot injury compensation.
In the past year, flu shot injury compensation has increased, with 72.44% of the 1,753 petitions filed in the NVICP between 2016 and 2017, resulting from complications with the influenza vaccine.
Do I qualify for the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program?
Conway Homer, P.C. is the most experienced vaccine injury law firm in the United States; representing clients from all 50 states and advocating for landmark cases that have shaped the Vaccine Program and made it friendlier and more generous to those individuals who suffer from vaccine injuries. To get in touch with our dedicated team, click here for a free consultation.