FDA Approves Expanded Use of Afluria and Afluria Quadrivalent Flu Vaccines

In late 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced expanded approval of the Afluria and Afluria Quadrivalent flu vaccines. Previously approved for adults and children five years of age and older, the FDA’s expanded approval for Afluria and Afluria Quadrivalent now makes these vaccines available to children beginning at six months of age.

Afluria and Afluria Quadrivalent are flu vaccines administered via intramuscular (IM) injection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend flu vaccination beginning at six months of age, and vaccination is recommended for children and adults with most (but not all) medical conditions. While the flu shot is generally considered safe, IM injections with Afluria, Afluria Quadrivalent and other FDA-approved flu vaccines carry a number of potential risks, including the risk of shoulder injuries related to vaccine administration (SIRVA).

Proper Administration of Afluria, Afluria Quadrivalent and Other IM Flu Vaccines

Proper administration of the flu shot requires insertion of the correct-size needle into the deltoid muscle at a 90-degree angle to the surface of the skin. The needle should penetrate the muscle and then be removed at the angle of entry. Errors during the vaccine administration process – such as using a wrong-size needle or inserting the needle at the wrong angle or wrong site – can lead to shoulder injuries including:

• Adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder)
• Brachial neuritis
• Shoulder bursitis
• Tendonitis

Financial Compensation for Improper Flu Shot Administration

For individuals who have been diagnosed with these forms of SIRVA following a flu shot with Afluria, Afluria Quadrivalent or another influenza vaccine, financial compensation may be available through the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). The VICP is a federal government program that provides compensation for medical expenses, loss of income, and pain and suffering resulting from vaccine-related illnesses and injuries. According to recent reports, approximately half of all VICP claims involve vaccine-related shoulder injuries, with the majority of these claims involving influenza immunizations.

As a result of a change to the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program that took effect in 2017, it is now easier for individuals diagnosed with SIRVA to recover compensation under the program. However, individuals interested in pursuing VICP claims must still take a number of important steps to protect their legal rights. For more information about seeking compensation for SIRVA resulting from a flu shot under the VICP, you can read:

• FAQs – About the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP)
• Filing a Vaccine Injury Claim: Tips to Consider Before Hiring a Vaccine Injury Lawyer
• HRSA, SIRVA, VICP? Making Sense of Your Vaccine Injury Claim
• Should You File a Claim Under the VICP?
• What to Do After Being Diagnosed with a Vaccine-Related Illness or Injury

Speak with a Vaccine Injury Lawyer in Confidence

Our firm provides nationwide legal representation for shoulder injury claims under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with SIRVA following a flu shot injection, we encourage you to call 202-800-1711 or contact us online for a free initial consultation.

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.