Earlier this year, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a study with some noteworthy findings on the flu shot’s effectiveness in children. According to the CDC, the study found that “flu vaccination protected children against serious flu illness even when they were infected with a flu virus that was antigenically different from the vaccine virus.” Here are some more notable findings from the study, as well as some important information for parents about the risks associated with pain after a flu shot.
Understanding the Risks Associated with the Flu During Childhood
The study’s findings support the CDC’s message that nearly all children should get an annual flu shot. As the CDC explains:
“Flu illness can be dangerous for children. Each year, millions of children get sick with seasonal flu, thousands of children are hospitalized, and some children die from flu. . . . Flu can be especially dangerous for children younger than 5 years old because they are at higher risk of getting very sick . . . .”
Additionally, the CDC reports that the U.S. tragically had a “record-breaking” number of child deaths caused by the flu during the 2019-2020 flu season. During that season, most flu activity in the U.S. involved strains that were antigenically different from those targeted by the flu shot. Yet, the study found that vaccination against influenza still, “reduced the risk of severe flu in children by 78% against similar flu A viruses and 47% against flu A viruses that had drifted from the vaccine virus.” The study suggests that children who did not get vaccinated were at greater risk for fatality, as vaccination can decrease the severity of a child’s (or adult’s) illness even if it does not prevent illness entirely.
Child Flu Vaccination Rates Remain Relatively Low
Despite the CDC’s recommendation that most children receive an annual flu shot beginning at six months of age, flu vaccination rates among children remain relatively low. Rates averaged between 50.8 percent and 61 percent during the 2020-2021 flu season according to the CDC. While this may be due in part to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020-2021 childhood immunization rates were only slightly lower than those in previous years.
Flu Shot Side Effects vs. Symptoms of Flu Shot Injuries
The annual flu shot has several common side effects, most of which will subside within 24 to 48 hours. However, some children (and adults) will experience pain after a flu shot that doesn’t go away.
This lingering (or worsening) pain can potentially be symptomatic of a flu shot injury or illness. Shoulder injuries related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) are most common, but Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), anaphylaxis, brachial neuritis and other medical conditions are possibilities as well. When children are diagnosed with flu shot injuries and illnesses, their parents can incur substantial costs, and they may be eligible to file claims under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP).
Learn More about Filing a Claim for Pain After a Flu Shot
The VICP is a federal government program that pays financial compensation to individuals and families who are coping with the effects of vaccine-related injuries and illnesses. It pays compensation on a “no-fault” basis, and in most cases, parents have up to three years to file a claim. If you would like to know more about filing a claim under the VICP, please call 202-800-1711 or request a free consultation 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: Flu Vaccine
Leah Durant 
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