Understanding the Signs and Symptoms of Child Vaccine Injuries

As a parent, you always want to do what is best for your child. For many parents, this means following the CDC’s Recommended Immunization Schedule. While the CDC’s recommended childhood vaccines are generally safe, all immunizations—for both children and adults—present risks. Unfortunately, this means that children will experience vaccine injuries in some cases.

With this in mind, it is important for parents to be aware of the signs and symptoms of child vaccine injuries. When a child exhibits these signs or symptoms, prompt diagnosis and treatment may be necessary. In many cases, parents will be entitled to compensation from the government for their children’s vaccine injuries as well—and obtaining a prompt diagnosis is one of the first steps toward filing a successful claim under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) with the help of an experienced vaccine lawyer.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Child Vaccine Injuries

There are several types of vaccine injuries. Each type of injury has its own signs and symptoms, and, as a result, there are lots of signs and symptoms of which parents should be aware. At the same time, however, the CDC notes that certain side effects are common—and these side effects aren’t necessarily indicative of a vaccine-related injury.

For example, according to the CDC, common mild side effects of childhood vaccines include:

• Mild fever that subsides within 24 to 48 hours
• Mild soreness at the injection site
• Slight redness and swelling at the injection site
• Skin that is warm to the touch at the injection site
• Tiredness or fatigue

With that said, if you have any concerns about your child’s health, you should not hesitate to consult with a doctor. Oftentimes, there is a fine line between a mild side effect and a symptom of a potentially serious vaccine injury. Parents should always err on the side of caution when it comes to their children’s health, and there is no harm whatsoever in scheduling a checkup after a vaccination.

Here are some examples of child vaccine injuries along with their most common signs and symptoms:

Shoulder Injuries Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA)

Shoulder injuries related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) are the most common type of vaccine-related injury among both children and adults. This is because SIRVA results from errors during vaccination—and this means that they are at risk with all types of vaccinations.

There are several different types of SIRVA, all of which have their own unique symptomatology. Generally speaking, however, the early warning signs of SIRVA for children include:

• Pain that goes beyond mild soreness at the injection site
• Pain that extends down the arm or up through the shoulder
• Pain that worsens with movement
• Limited arm mobility or loss of muscle strength (inability to pick up or lift objects)
• Loss of sensation in the shoulder, arms or hands

All forms of SIRVA are generally treatable. However, as with most types of traumatic injuries, there is a greater risk of long-term complications for children than adults. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can help mitigate this risk, and, in any case, parents can seek full compensation for the costs of their children’s shoulder injuries from eligible vaccines under the VICP.

Severe Allergic Reaction (Anaphylaxis)

A severe allergic reaction is a potential concern any time a child receives a vaccine for the first time. Oftentimes, parents simply won’t know whether their children are allergic, and while mild allergic reactions are most common, severe reactions can lead to anaphylaxis in some cases.

The symptoms of anaphylaxis usually onset quickly—within about 5 to 30 minutes of vaccination. However, they can potentially last for several days, and this can make them seem normal in some cases. But, if a child exhibits any of the following signs of anaphylaxis, prompt medical intervention may be necessary:

• Difficulty breathing
• Difficulty swallowing
• Pale or red skin tone
• Red rash
• Swollen throat
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Wheezing

Cases of anaphylaxis can range from moderate to potentially life-threatening. Once diagnosed, anaphylaxis can usually be treated fairly quickly, and with prompt treatment, the long-term risks associated with anaphylaxis can usually be avoided.

Transverse Myelitis

Transverse myelitis is an inflammatory condition that has been linked to the MMR vaccine, tetanus vaccines and other childhood vaccinations. It affects the protective covering of the nerves in the spinal cord, and, as a result, it can have effects throughout the body. For example, some of the most common signs and symptoms of transverse myelitis include:

• Bladder or bowel dysfunction
• Numbness
• Pain in the neck or back
• Tingling, burning and other sensations
• Weakness in the arms and legs

Since transverse myelitis is an inflammatory condition, treatment often involves using medications to reduce the swelling in the child’s spine. But, in some cases, more invasive forms of treatment may be necessary. The long-term risks associated with childhood transverse myelitis vary on a case-by-case basis.

Intussusception

Intussusception is another vaccine injury that can affect both children and adults. In rare cases, complications from an immunization can cause one part of the intestine to slide inside of another. While generally treatable, intussusception may need to be treated as a medical emergency. Potential signs and symptoms of intussusception caused by vaccination include:

• Excessive drowsiness
• Severe abdominal pain
• Severe crying in infants and small children
• Bloody or jelly-like stool
• Vomiting blood or red mucus

While these are not the only childhood vaccine-related injuries, they are among the most common. Again, for parents who have concerns about their children’s health, it is always best to consult with a doctor promptly. If your family’s doctor confirms that your child has experienced a vaccine-related injury, you should consult with a vaccine lawyer about filing a VICP claim promptly as well.

Schedule a Free Consultation with Vaccine Lawyer Leah V. Durant

Vaccine lawyer Leah V. Durant represents families nationwide in claims under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). If you have questions about your family’s legal rights after a childhood vaccine injury diagnosis, you can call 202-800-1711 or contact us online to schedule a free 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.