Should I Get a Flu Shot if I’ve Had an Adverse Reaction in the Past?

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that most people get a flu shot each year. For the 2020-2021 flu season, the CDC says that, “[g]etting a flu vaccine is more important than ever.” But, what if you have had an adverse reaction to the flu shot in the past? Should you still get immunized, or is it less risky not to get the flu shot?

CDC: Some People Should Not Get the Flu Shot, and Some People Should Talk to Their Doctor to Decide

While the CDC recommends annual vaccination against the flu for most people, it warns that some people should not get the flu shot. It also recommends that many people consult with their doctors prior to getting vaccinated. Those who should not get the flu shot according to the CDC include, “[p]eople with severe, life-threatening allergies to [the] flu vaccine or any ingredient in the vaccine.”

The CDC recommends that individuals consult with their physicians prior to getting the flu shot in three specific circumstances:

• “If you have an allergy to eggs or any of the ingredients in the vaccine;” 
• “If you ever had Guillain-Barre Syndrome;” or,
• “If you are not feeling well.”

Severe allergic reactions to vaccine ingredients can potentially have severe consequences, and Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) can have significant, long-term and in some cases recurring effects. Of course, if you have any other concerns about getting the flu shot, you should discuss these with your doctor as well.

Are You Entitled to Financial Compensation for a Vaccine Illness or Injury?

For individuals who have been diagnosed with severe allergic reactions, GBS, shoulder injuries related to vaccine administration (SIRVA), and other flu shot-related illnesses and injuries, it is also important to consult with a vaccine attorney about filing a claim under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). The VICP provides compensation to individuals and families who are coping with the effects of vaccine illnesses and injuries, and the majority of claims filed under the program involve the flu shot.

The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program for flu shot-related illnesses and injuries includes:

• Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) occurring within four hours of vaccination
• Shoulder injuries related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) occurring within 48 hours of vaccination
• Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) occurring three to 42 days following vaccination
• Vasovagal syncope (sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure) occurring within one hour of vaccination

Under the VICP, eligible vaccine recipients and family members can recover compensation for their medical expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering.

Learn more: How Much is My Claim Worth? Calculating Damages for Vaccine Injury Claims.

Request a Free Consultation with Vaccine Attorney Leah V. Durant

If you would like more information about filing a claim for a flu shot-related illness or injury under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP), please contact us to arrange a free initial consultation. To discuss your claim with vaccine attorney Leah V. Durant in confidence, 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.