Early Warning Signs: The First Symptoms of Vaccine Injury

A vaccine injury is any type of adverse side effect experienced after having a routine vaccine that has prolonged implications or leads to a permanent/long-lasting injury, condition, or illness. Vaccine injuries are rare, but they do occur to both adults and children yearly. Some of the most common vaccines that may lead to permanent or long-lasting conditions include Diphtheria and Tetanus vaccines, Pertussis vaccines, Measles, Mumps, and Rubella vaccines, flu vaccines, and Hepatitis vaccines.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has an anonymous online reporting system they encourage individuals to utilize when they experience serious side effects after having a routine vaccination. This system is called the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) and its results are used by the CDC and another government agencies to determine how safe most vaccines are and what the most reported side effects tend to be.

As an example, during the year between June 2016 and July 2017, there were 27,570 reports made to VAERS which included negative side effects/symptoms. Most side effects were minor, but many others may have been long-lasting or permanent.

When you get your child vaccinated or have a routine vaccination yourself, you will likely get told that you may experience a few minor side effects that are completely normal. Most vaccine side effects are indeed minor and may not be a reason for concern, but other side effects and symptoms should be a warning sign that a more serious reaction may be occurring.

After receiving a vaccine or after your child gets a vaccine, watch out for the following early warning signs which may be the first symptoms of a vaccine injury:

• Severe swelling at the injection site
• Severe pain at the injection site (excessive crying in a young child is often a sign of this)
• Numbness in the extremities
• High fever that lasts for more than 3 days
• Signs of a serious allergic reaction such as hives or swelling of the mouth
• Eczema or a serious rash that does not disappear after 2-3 days
• Anaphylaxis or slowed/difficulty breathing
• Vomiting and/or diarrhea that lasts for more than 3 days
• Behavioral changes such as attention or aggression issues
• Seizures
• Loss of vision/coordination
• Signs of shock

Most vaccine injuries begin with minor symptoms that develop into stronger symptoms following the days of the initial injection. The first 2-7 days are generally the time frame when you need to be the most cautious. If you notice any of the above symptoms within this period (especially if multiple symptoms are noticed), you should seek medical attention immediately.

If you or someone you love has suffered due to a vaccine injury or severe complications that you believe were caused by a routine vaccination, you should contact Urban & Taylor today. Our vaccine injury lawyers can help you receive compensation offered by the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program—even if you’re not located in Wisconsin. This compensation can go towards recovery costs, loss of wage costs, and more.