Should I Be Concerned If A Vaccine Gives Me A Stiff Shoulder?
In rare cases, a poorly placed vaccination can lead to painful shoulder injuries and limited range of motion. These injuries, known as Shoulder Injuries Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA), are among the most common claims filed under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP).
At Pearsall Law Firm, P.C., we help people who develop SIRVA recover compensation through the VICP. If you’ve experienced shoulder stiffness or loss of motion after a vaccine, here’s what you should know.
How Vaccine Administration Errors Cause Reduced Range of Motion
SIRVA occurs when a vaccine is injected incorrectly—too high, too deep, or at the wrong angle. This can cause trauma and inflammation in the shoulder’s soft tissue, leading to significant pain and restricted movement. Because SIRVA results from how the shot is given, it can happen with any vaccine administered in the shoulder, including:
Flu shots
Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap)
Hepatitis A or B
Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)
Varicella (chickenpox)
Under the VICP, SIRVA is classified as an “on-table” injury. This means that if your symptoms—such as pain or stiffness—begin within 48 hours of a covered vaccination, your injury is presumed to be vaccine-related.
Two Common Causes of Limited Shoulder Movement
Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder): This condition causes gradual, painful stiffness in the shoulder. Over time, the joint capsule thickens and tightens, reducing mobility. Recovery can take months or even years, and some people experience permanent loss of motion.
Inflammation from Internal Trauma: A misplaced injection can trigger inflammation or bursitis, causing swelling that restricts shoulder movement. This can make even simple activities—like dressing, lifting, or driving—extremely painful.
Seeking Financial Compensation Under the VICP
If you’ve been diagnosed with SIRVA and reduced range of motion, you may be entitled to compensation through the VICP. The program covers:
Past and future medical expenses
Lost wages or earning capacity
Up to $250,000 for pain and suffering
Best of all, the VICP pays your legal fees separately, meaning you can hire a vaccine injury lawyer at no cost to you.
If your shoulder injury may have been caused by a vaccination, now is the time to act. Click the “Contact Us Now” button at the top of this page to schedule your free consult and case review with a top vaccine litigator.