Signs of Flu Shot Injuries in Children

It’s back-to-school season, and that means many parents are taking their children for their annual flu shots. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend vaccination against influenza for most children—with only very limited exceptions for those who are at high risk for severe adverse reactions. Unfortunately, while extremely rare, flu shot injuries do happen, and it is important for parents to know the difference between normal pain after a flu shot and symptoms of a potentially serious vaccine injury.

Potential Symptoms of a Flu Shot Injury in Children

A certain amount of pain following a flu shot is normal. According to the CDC, parents can expect their children to experience a “mild” level of pain, which should go away “within a few days.” Different children will respond to the same level of pain differently, and parents should assess whether their children’s reactions are consistent with mild pain or appear to possibly indicate something more.

Along with mild pain at the injection site, other common side effects of the flu shot (as identified by the CDC) include:

• Redness at the injection site
• Swelling at the injection site
• Headache
• Fever
• Nausea
• Muscle aches

These side effects should all generally be mild as well—and they should also typically last a few days at most. If a child’s symptoms are not mild, if they seem to get worse instead of better, or if they last more than a few days, then this could possibly be a sign of a flu shot injury.

There are a number of other signs of possible flu shot injuries as well. For example, the following could all potentially be signs of a vaccine-related medical condition requiring diagnosis and treatment:

• Difficulty breathing
• Difficulty talking, chewing or swallowing
• Hives
• Loss of balance
• Loss of muscle strength
• Low blood pressure
• Pain radiating from the injection site to the lower back, neck or other parts of the body
• “Pins and needles” sensations in the extremities

As always, for parents who have any concerns about their children’s health or wellbeing, the best course of action is to consult with a doctor. This could be a pediatrician or family physician, but it may be necessary to go to the emergency room in some cases.

Managing the Costs of a Flu Shot Injury

For many families, the unexpected costs of a flu shot injury can stretch their budgets—if not exceed what they can afford to pay. Fortunately, there is a federal government program that provides compensation to families of children diagnosed with vaccine-related injuries. The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) pays compensation without proof of fault, and families can hire attorneys to represent them at no cost.

Has Your Child Experienced Abnormal Pain After a Flu Shot (or Other Symptoms)?

If you would like to speak with an attorney about filing a claim under the VICP, contact us to arrange a free, no-obligation consultation with vaccine attorney Leah V. Durant. Call 202-800-1711 nationwide, or send us your contact information online and we will respond promptly.

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.