Flu vaccines have been a great source of controversy across the nation for many years. For many, they present the classic “Catch-22.” In other words, if you get one, you run the risk of adverse reactions. If you opt out of getting one, you will likely become infected with the flu virus.
What we mean is that there are some individuals who have common reactions or side effects to flu shots. Many of those reactions have been documented over time, and can be advised of prior to acceptance. Symptoms usually begin within 12 hours of vaccination, and generally subside within 48 hours.
However, there are circumstances where grave personal injury has been caused by life threatening reactions to these vaccines. One of the most serious documented reactions is known as Guillain-Barre Syndrome, or GBS. Though it does not usually develop until two to four weeks after vaccination, it is a very painful and disabling neurological disorder with many lifelong effects. Some can even result in death. Those effects include inflammation in the nervous system that can cause temporary or permanent paralysis, muscle weakness, pain, and difficulty walking. Another documented disorder that can be caused by a flu shot is Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis, or ADEM. It is characterized by vasculitis, facial paralysis, and brain inflammation among other symptoms.
Due to these and other complications, the federal government has created a Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. Guillain-Barre syndrome is the leading reported injury in the program. If you or someone you know has suffered injury from a flu vaccine, an attorney can offer guidance and assistance in filing your claim for compensation.