Vasovagal Syncope
Vasovagal Syncope
Fainting after a vaccine can lead to serious injuries, hospital visits, or lasting health complications—especially when it happens suddenly and without warning. Our firm helps individuals and families nationwide recover compensation when a fainting episode after vaccination causes harm during the routine administration of a covered vaccine.
Children and Teens
Young people—especially adolescents—are among the most likely to experience vasovagal syncope after vaccines. These episodes often occur during school vaccination programs or pediatric visits.
A sudden fall can cause cuts, bruises, concussions, or even broken bones, leaving families struggling with medical bills and long recoveries.
Pregnant Women
Because pregnancy naturally affects circulation and blood pressure, fainting during or after vaccination can pose greater risks. A number of vaccines are often recommended during pregnancy, but a vasovagal reaction can result in serious injury.
Working Adults and Travelers
Many adults experience vaccine-related fainting episodes while receiving shots required for work, travel, or healthcare settings. These incidents can happen suddenly and in confined spaces, hard-surfaced clinics, or job sites, resulting in head, neck, or back injuries.
Older Adults
For older adults, even a brief fainting episode can have serious consequences. A sudden fall can cause shoulder injuries, fractures, or joint damage that require extensive medical treatment.
Compensation
If you or someone you love fainted after receiving a vaccine and suffered an injury, you may be entitled to compensation. Our experienced vaccine injury attorneys are here to help you navigate the process and secure the financial recovery you deserve.
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Vasovagal syncope is a brief loss of consciousness caused by a sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure.
This happens when the body overreacts to certain triggers—like fear, pain, or the sight of a needle—reducing blood flow to the brain and causing fainting.
This is a reflex response, not a sign of long-term heart or brain damage.
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While fainting after a shot is usually harmless, in some cases it can cause secondary injuries, such as breaking a bone or suffering a concussion during the fall.
The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) recognizes vasovagal syncope as a compensable event when it occurs within one hour of vaccination, if the secondary injury leads to complications that last for six months or longer.
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Common warning signs include:
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Blurred vision or tunnel vision
Nausea
Sweating or feeling hot
Ringing in the ears
Weakness, followed by brief loss of consciousness
Most people recover without injury within a few seconds after fainting, though confusion or fatigue may linger briefly.
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Treatment usually involves lying the person flat, elevating the legs, and ensuring good airflow until blood pressure stabilizes.
Medical professionals may monitor vital signs, check for injuries, and provide fluids.
If fainting causes a serious injury or happens repeatedly, doctors may recommend further evaluation to rule out other conditions.
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Fainting after vaccination is uncommon but more likely to happen to adolescents and young adults.
The CDC estimates that about 3% of men and 3.5% of women experience vasovagal syncope at least once in their lifetime.
Vaccine-related syncope accounts for a small fraction of overall vaccine adverse event reports, but if it happens, it can be compensated in the VICP. Contact us today for a personalized evaluation.
