In general, a vaccination can be expected to cause a moderate amount of short-term shoulder pain. As explained by Health.com, common side effects of vaccine injections, “are just temporary and include pain, swelling, and redness around the site of the injection—much like any shot—which may appear 24 to 48 hours after the actual shot.”
But, for some people, the pain does not go away—or at least not for an extended period of time. This is due to a condition known as “SIRVA,” or “shoulder injury related to vaccine administration.”
Understanding the Prevalence and Risks of SIRVA
The term SIRVA is used to describe a class of shoulder injuries that have been linked to errors during the vaccine administration process. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describe cases of SIRVA as “very rare[];” and, while there is no data on the overall prevalence of SIRVA, estimates put the number of cases in the single digits per one million vaccinations in the United States. Since its establishment in 1988, the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) has compensated 7,311 claims (as of June 1, 2020), with the majority of these compensated claims involving shoulder injuries related to vaccine administration.
The risks associated with SIRVA vary depending on the specific nature of the injury. There are various forms of SIRVA, including:
- Adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder)
- Brachial neuritis
- Reduced range of motion
- Shoulder bursitis
- Tendonitis
Each form of SIRVA has its own specific symptoms and potential complications. In general, individuals who are diagnosed with SIRVA will be able to fully recover with appropriate medical treatment; however, in some cases, vaccine-related shoulder injuries can lead to chronic or permanent conditions.
Understanding Your Legal Rights Following a SIRVA Diagnosis
The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) is a federal benefit program established by Congress in order to provide a source of financial recovery for individuals who are diagnosed with vaccine-related injuries and illnesses. While vaccine injuries are rare overall, as noted above, the VICP has compensated thousands of individuals and families over the past 32 years. These claimants have received more than $4 billion in compensation collectively, or an average of $552,112 per claim.
The VICP provides no-fault compensation to eligible vaccine recipients and families and no-cost legal representation is available. If you or a member of your family has been diagnosed with any form of SIRVA, you may be entitled to financial compensation, and you should speak with a vaccine injury lawyer promptly. The costs of recovering from and coping with vaccine-related shoulder injuries can be substantial; but, by filing a successful claim under the VICP, you can have these costs covered so that you can move on.
Request a Free VICP Consultation with Vaccine Injury Lawyer Leah V. Durant
Are you entitled to financial compensation for SIRVA? To find out, schedule a free initial consultation with vaccine injury lawyer Leah V. Durant. To discuss your National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) claim in confidence, call 202-800-1711 or request an appointment 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.
Categories: Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration or SIRVA
Leah Durant 
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