Seasonal Influenza (Flu) Vaccine

Seasonal Influenza (Flu) Vaccine

The flu vaccine is one of the most commonly administered vaccines in the United States, protecting millions each year from influenza and its serious complications. Like all vaccines, it works by stimulating the immune system to recognize and fight the virus if exposed in the future.

In rare cases, the flu shot can cause adverse reactions ranging from mild soreness to more serious immune or nerve-related responses.

Symptoms of a flu vaccine injury can appear within hours or days after vaccination and vary depending on the reaction. Some individuals may experience intense shoulder pain and restricted movement if the injection was given too high or too deep (known as SIRVA).

Others may develop dizziness or fainting (vasovagal syncope) shortly after receiving the shot, or, in very rare cases, nerve conditions such as Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), which can cause weakness or paralysis. Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) are also possible but extremely uncommon.

Common warning signs of a potential flu vaccine injury may include:

  • Persistent or worsening shoulder pain and stiffness

  • Weakness, tingling, or numbness in the arms or legs

  • Dizziness, fainting, or confusion

  • Difficulty breathing, swelling, or rash shortly after vaccination

Most people recover with medical care, though some may face lingering symptoms or long-term complications. If you or your child experienced significant pain, weakness, or another serious reaction after a flu vaccination, you may be eligible to file a claim.

But these claims have strict deadlines, so contact our firm right away to begin the process and protect your right to compensation.

  • The flu vaccine is a preventive immunization designed to protect against infection from influenza viruses, which cause seasonal flu.

    Every year, scientists identify the most common flu strains expected to circulate, and the vaccine is updated accordingly.

    It works by stimulating the body’s immune system to produce antibodies that recognize and fight the virus if exposure occurs.

    Flu vaccines are available in different forms, including inactivated (killed) virus injections and live attenuated nasal sprays.

    Getting vaccinated each year helps reduce the risk of illness, hospitalization, and complications—especially in children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.

  • The flu vaccine works by training your immune system to recognize and fight the influenza virus before it can make you sick.

    When you get the shot, your body is exposed to inactivated or weakened parts of the flu virus that can’t cause illness but still trigger an immune response.

    Your immune system responds by producing antibodies—protective proteins that remember how to fight the flu in the future.

    If you’re later exposed to the actual virus, these antibodies recognize it quickly and help prevent infection or lessen its severity.

    In short, the flu vaccine helps your body build defense against the flu safely, without having to suffer through the illness itself.

  • Injuries are rare, but the most common flu vaccine injuries recognized in the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) include Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA), anaphylaxis, vasovagal syncope, and Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS).

    SIRVA occurs when a vaccine is injected too high or deep into the shoulder, causing painful inflammation and limited range of motion.

    Anaphylaxis is a rare but severe allergic reaction that can occur minutes after vaccination, leading to difficulty breathing, swelling, and a sudden drop in blood pressure.

    Vasovagal syncope, or fainting, can happen immediately after vaccination due to a sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure, sometimes leading to falls or injuries.

    Lastly, GBS is a rare autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the peripheral nerves, causing weakness, numbness, and in severe cases, paralysis.

    These adverse reactions can have lasting effects—and individuals who suffer serious complications may be eligible for compensation through the VICP.

  • If you may have suffered a vaccine-related injury, the most important step is to seek medical care right away.

    Early treatment can help reduce symptoms, prevent complications, and create clear medical documentation that supports your recovery and any future claim.

    Once you’ve received care, hire a Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) lawyer to handle your case.

    VICP claims follow a unique federal process, and having a lawyer who understands this system ensures your claim is filed correctly and on time.

    Best of all, attorney fees are paid by the program, not by you. Getting the right help early protects both your health and your legal rights, without costing you anything, whether you win or lose your claim.

    • Over 170 million flu vaccine doses are distributed in the United States each year.

    • The flu vaccine can reduce the risk of illness by 40–60% among the general population, if the vaccine matches circulating strains.

    • Serious adverse reactions take place about 1 out of 1 million vaccinations.

    • Most adverse reactions are SIRVA (Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration) injuries.

    • Since its creation in 1988, the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) has paid out over $5 billion in claims.

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