Learn About the Side Effects of COVID Vaccines and When You May Have a COVID-19 Vaccine Lawsuit
While the general consensus among health authorities is that the COVID vaccines are generally safe for most people, these same health authorities recognize that side effects can occur. They also recognize that more-severe adverse events can occur in some cases. Although most COVID vaccine side effects can be classified as “mild” (and will typically go away within a few days), others can have long-term consequences. In these cases, filing a COVID-19 vaccine lawsuit may be warranted.
What To Do if You Experience Adverse Effects from a COVID-19 Vaccination
For anyone who has concerns about possible side effects or a possible COVID vaccine injury, the most important thing is to seek a diagnosis promptly. While most side effects do not require treatment, it is important to make sure you do not have a more-serious condition that requires medical intervention. When you see a doctor, your doctor should be able to tell you if you have cause to be concerned; and, if so, your doctor should be able to help you start the recovery process as quickly and safely as possible.
Of course, getting treatment can be expensive. This is why it is also important to talk to a lawyer about filing a COVID-19 vaccine lawsuit if the adverse effects of your vaccination do not go away within a few days. If you have grounds to file a COVID-19 vaccine lawsuit, a lawyer may be able to help you recover not only your medical expenses, but potentially your other losses as well.
Common Side Effects of COVID-19 Vaccines
Just like the flu shot and other vaccines, the COVID-19 vaccines are known to cause multiple side effects. As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains:
“Vaccines, like any medicine, can have side effects. Side effects after getting a COVID-19 vaccine vary from person to person. The most common side effects are usually mild, such as soreness in the area where the shot was given.”
Generally, side effects should go away on their own—without medical intervention—within a few days of receiving a COVID-19 immunization. As a result, if any side effects do not go away, or if they get worse instead of getting better, this is a sign that you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Some of the most common side effects of COVID-19 vaccines include:
- Soreness at the Injection Site – For most people, getting a vaccine injection stings for a few minutes, but they do not experience any significant or long-term pain. However, some people will experience lingering soreness at the injection site. This soreness should still subside within one to three days (according to Johns Hopkins Medicine)—and, if it doesn’t, this could be a sign of a more serious vaccine injury.
- Fatigue – When you get vaccinated, your body has to process the vaccine and its effects. This requires energy, which means that getting vaccinated can lead to fatigue. While feeling slightly lethargic after a COVID-19 vaccination isn’t a significant concern in most cases, severe or prolonged fatigue could also be symptomatic of a more serious condition requiring diagnosis and treatment.
- Headache – Headaches are a common side effect of receiving a COVID-19 vaccine as well, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. Many vaccine recipients experience flu-like symptoms—including fatigue and headaches, among others.
- Body Aches – Body aches are another common flu-like symptom of getting vaccinated. Here, too, when body aches are a side effect, they should last no more than one to three days, and they should gradually improve over this time period. Any body aches should generally be fairly mild. If they aren’t mild, if they are sharp or worsen with movement, or if they get worse instead of better, these can all be signs of one or more potentially serious complications.
- Fever – As the body works to process a COVID-19 vaccine, the energy expenditure involved can raise the body’s temperature resulting in a mild fever. To be classified as “mild,” a fever should be no more than a couple of degrees above a person’s normal body temperature. When a fever is a side effect of a vaccination, the person’s body temperature should also begin to return to normal fairly quickly (usually within a day or two). Anything else could be a sign of something more serious that needs to be addressed.
Again, while these side effects should subside on their own, it is important not to take chances with your (or a loved one’s) health. If you have questions or concerns for any reason, you should seek advice from a qualified medical professional. When you do, be sure to tell your doctor about your (or your loved one’s) COVID-19 vaccination, and keep copies of any records you receive in case you have a COVID-19 vaccine lawsuit.
Signs of a More Serious Adverse Reaction to a COVID-19 Vaccine
Along with the side effects discussed above, COVID-19 vaccines have also been known to cause more serious adverse effects in a very small percentage of cases. One of the most common adverse effects is a severe allergic reaction. As the CDC explains, “[s]evere allergic reactions following vaccination are rare but can be life threatening.” According to the CDC, the following are all signs that emergency medical treatment may be necessary:
- “[W]heezing, difficulty breathing, or low blood pressure; and sometimes hives.”
- “Swelling of the airway, which includes the tongue, uvula, or larynx.”
- “A widespread rash involving the skin and inside places like your mouth or nose that required hospitalization.”
In addition to severe allergic reactions, another common risk associated with the COVID-19 vaccine (and all CDC-recommended vaccines) is the risk of shoulder injuries related to vaccine administration (SIRVA). The risk of SIRVA applies to all COVID-19 vaccine recipients, as these injuries result not from adverse reactions to the vaccine itself, but instead from errors during the immunization process. Some of the most common signs of SIRVA include:
- Shoulder pain (particularly pain that is sharp, that worsens with movement, or that extends through the shoulder or down the arm)
- Swelling and redness at the injection site
- Weakness or numbness in the arm or shoulder
We cannot stress enough the importance of seeking medical treatment if you have any concerns about your (or a loved one’s) health following a vaccination. Not only can obtaining necessary treatment be critical for mitigating any long-term risks, but it can be important for protecting your legal rights if you have grounds to file a COVID-19 vaccine lawsuit as well.
When Can (and Should) You Talk to a Lawyer About Filing a COVID-19 Vaccine Lawsuit?
With these side effects and adverse events in mind, when can (and should) you talk to a lawyer about filing a COVID-19 vaccine lawsuit?
At present, COVID-19 vaccine injury claims are covered under the federal Countermeasures Injury Compensation Program (CICP). The CICP specifically covers any, “injury (or its health complications) that is the direct result of the administration or use of a covered countermeasure, which includes serious aggravation caused by a covered countermeasure of a pre-existing condition.” COVID-19 vaccines are “covered countermeasures” under the program, and severe allergic reactions and SIRVA both qualify as injuries and health complications caused by COVID-19 vaccines.
If you have a claim under the CICP, you must file your claim within one year of receipt of your (or your loved one’s) COVID-19 vaccination.
Currently, however, efforts are underway to expand the legal options that are available to individuals and families who are coping with the effects of COVID-19 vaccine injuries. For example, at least one COVID-19 vaccine manufacturer is facing a lawsuit related to permanent injuries allegedly sustained during a COVID-19 vaccine trial, and a lawsuit has been filed to pave the way for the COVID-19 vaccines to be moved from the CICP to the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). This is important because the VICP provides access to compensation (including compensation for pain and suffering) that is not available under the CICP.
In light of these considerations, if you think you may have a COVID-19 vaccine lawsuit—or if you don’t know and want to find out—you should consult with a lawyer promptly. Specifically, you should consult with a lawyer who handles vaccine injury claims and who is up-to-date on the latest developments in COVID-19 vaccine-related litigation. Talking to a lawyer costs nothing out of pocket; and, if you have a lawsuit, you can hire a lawyer to handle your lawsuit at no out-of-pocket cost.
Do You Have a COVID-19 Vaccine Lawsuit? Find Out for Free
Do you need to know more about filing a COVID-19 vaccine lawsuit? If so, we can explain everything you need to know, and we encourage you to contact us promptly for a free, no-obligation consultation. To discuss your options with an experienced lawyer at the Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC in confidence as soon as possible, please call 202-800-1711 or request an appointment online today.
Categories: COVID-19 vaccine injury
Leah Durant 
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