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2017 Year in Review: What We Learned about Vaccines and Vaccine Injuries

By leahdurantlaw on February 13, 2018 • ( 0 )

2017 was a busy year in the world of vaccinations. From an MMR outbreak on college campuses and the start of one of the most-dangerous flu seasons in recent memory to important revisions to the Vaccine Injury Table, vaccine-related headlines were prevalent throughout the year.

So, what have we learned? Here are our top articles from 2017:

1. Seeking Medical Attention and Legal Advice for Vaccine-Related Injuries

Vaccine injuries can have serious and long-term consequences. Anyone who is concerned about a possible vaccine-related injury should seek medical attention and legal advice promptly.

2. Last Year’s Flu Shot was Only 48 Percent Effective

During the 2016-2017 flu season, the flu shot was only 48 percent effective. So far this season, the flu shot has been “particularly ineffective.” Unfortunately, this appears to be leading many people to question whether getting a flu shot is still worth it.

3. Nerve Damage and Other Flu Shot-Related Shoulder Injuries

Regardless of the rate of effectiveness, the CDC recommends that just about everyone receive a flu shot each year. Unfortunately, despite its benefits, improper administration of the flu shot is also known to cause certain types of painful shoulder injuries.

4. Symptoms of Vaccine-Related Illnesses and Injuries

Before you get a flu shot or other vaccination, it is important to familiarize yourself with the symptoms of vaccine-related illnesses and injuries. We highlighted the symptoms of some of the most-common vaccine-related medical conditions in: Signs That a Loved One May Have a Vaccine Injury.

5. New Additions to the Vaccine Injury Table

In March, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) made it easier to obtain financial compensation for shoulder injuries related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) with important updates to the Vaccine Injury Table. The revised Vaccine Injury Table is available online, as are various other government resources.

6. Injuries from Travel Vaccines

While most vaccine-related injuries and illnesses result from immunizations for influenza, tetanus, hepatitis B and the various other diseases for which routine vaccinations are recommended, travel vaccines can cause injuries and illnesses as well.

7. More Than $3.5 Billion Paid in National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) Claims

To date, the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) has paid more than $3.5 billion to individuals diagnosed with vaccine injuries. If you believe that you may be entitled to compensation under the VICP, here is an introduction to what you need to know.

8. Protecting Your Health and Your Claim for Compensation

After experiencing symptoms of a vaccine-related injury, there are several important steps you should take to protect your health and your claim under the VICP. To learn more, you can read: What to Do After Being Diagnosed with a Vaccine-Related Illness or Injury.

9. Recommended Vaccinations for Children

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintained their previous childhood vaccine recommendations for 2017. We compiled the latest vaccination schedules and some other useful resources for parents here: Back to School Means It’s Time to Update Your Vaccinations.

National Legal Representation for Vaccine Injury Claims

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a vaccine injury or illness, vaccine lawyer Leah Durant can help you understand your rights under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. To request a free and confidential consultation, please call (202) 800-1711 or tell us how we can help 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.