The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) encourage flu vaccination for everyone six months of age and older unless otherwise advised by their doctors. Although the flu shot’s overall effectiveness varies from year to year, the CDC states that getting immunized is the best way for individuals to reduce their risk of getting sick and facing potentially-serious complications.
In a national press conference, the CDC and NFID announced that a record-breaking number of individuals were hospitalized and suffered fatal complications due to contracting influenza during the 2017-2018 flu season. As a result, both organizations are strongly encouraging parents and other adults to ensure that they and their families get vaccinated this year.
The CDC’s and NFID’s Flu Shot Recommendations
The CDC recommends that individuals receive their annual flu shot before the end of October. However, since flu season does not officially end until March (and it is possible to contract influenza after flu season as well), it is not too late to get vaccinated. The CDC states that, “[f]lu vaccines have a good safety record;” and, although the nasal spray flu vaccine has been approved for the 2018-2019 flu season, the CDC and other organizations still recommend the flu shot for most individuals.
According to the CDC:
“Hundreds of millions of Americans have safely received flu vaccines over the past 50 years. Extensive research supports the safety of seasonal flu vaccines. Each year, CDC works with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other partners to ensure the highest safety standards for flu vaccines.”
The CDC and NFID are encouraging people to help spread the word about flu prevention with the hashtag, #FIGHTFLU. The CDC has published a number of resources for health care providers, educators, parents and others, and the NFID is encouraging people to share it’s infographic, Take 3 Steps to #FIGHTFLU.
Shoulder Injury Risk Associated with Flu Vaccination
Although the flu shot is relatively safe, as with any injection, there are certain risks involved. Along with the risk of allergic reactions and other adverse responses to flu shot ingredients, one of the greatest risks associated with the annual flu shot is the risk of shoulder injuries related to vaccine administration (SIRVA). SIRVA describes a class of injuries that result from errors during the immunization process, and all flu shot recipients are equally susceptible to experiencing these flu shot injuries.
Learn more about SIRVA resulting from the flu shot:
- What Is Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA)?
- Can You Suffer an Injury Following the Flu Vaccine?
- Preventing Shoulder Pain After Vaccine Injection
Financial Compensation is Available to Individuals Diagnosed with Flu Shot SIRVA
The financial and non-financial costs of vaccine-related shoulder injuries can be substantial; and, for many people, financial compensation is available through the federal government’s National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with SIRVA following a flu shot, vaccine attorney Leah V. Durant can help you understand your rights under the VICP. To discuss your rights in a free and confidential consultation, please call 202-800-1711 or inquire online today.
Leah Durant Bio
Experienced litigation attorney Leah Durant focuses on representing clients in complex vaccine litigation matters. Leah Durant is the owner and principal attorney of the Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC, a litigation firm based in Washington, DC. Leah Durant and her staff represent clients and their families who suffer from vaccine-related injuries, adverse vaccine reactions and vaccine-related deaths. The Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC is dedicated to assisting individuals in recovering the highest level of compensation as quickly and efficiently as possible. To learn more, contact vaccine attorney Leah Durant today.
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