Vaccine Injuries List

The term vaccine injury refers to any adverse events that may occur following vaccination. Monitoring systems like VAERS are used to detect and investigate potential side effects of vaccines, with about 30,000 events reported each year. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) provides vaccine safety recommendations and guidelines. However, vaccines can also cause adverse reactions that lead to injury, which is why health monitoring systems and government regulation play a crucial role in ensuring vaccine safety.

Researchers analyze evidence from surveillance systems to identify associations between vaccines and adverse events, helping to clarify whether a true association exists or if further investigation is needed. Covered vaccines are defined for compensation programs, such as the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, to specify which vaccines and injuries are eligible for recourse. The Vaccine Injury Table lists vaccines and associated injuries covered by the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). Injuries have been attributed to vaccines for many years, but until recently there has not been widespread scientific research to determine the frequency of these events.

• Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM)
• Anaphylaxis
• Bell’s Palsy
• Brachial Neuritis (Parsonage Turner Syndrome)
• Bursitis
• Cardiac Arrhythmia
• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
• Demyelinating Disease of the Central Nervous System
• Encephalitis
• Erythroderma
• Frozen Shoulder
• Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS)
• Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP)
• Impingement Syndrome
• Intussusception
• Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO, a.k.a. Devic’s disease)
• Nodular Fasciitis (NF)
• Peripheral Neuropathy
• Polymyalgia Rhuematica (PMR)
• Residual Seizure Disorder
• Rotator Cuff Injury
• Shoulder Tendinitis (rotator cuff tendinitis)
• Shoulder Injury (SIRVA)
• Transverse Myelitis
• Ulnar Neuropathy
• Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disorder (UCTD)
• Vasculitis
• Vasovagal Syncope
• Vitiligo

ADEM typically presents as a rapid-onset attack of inflammation in the brain and spinal cord, often following a viral infection (and in rare cases, a vaccination). Symptoms of ADEM appear quickly and can include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, confusion, vision changes, weakness or numbness in the limbs, and even seizures. Serious side effects from vaccines are rare but may include seizure or life-threatening allergic reaction. Treatment usually involves aggressive immunosuppression – high-dose corticosteroids are the first-line therapy, often followed by intravenous immunoglobulin or plasmapheresis in severe cases.

Anaphylaxis is a sudden, severe allergic reaction that can occur within minutes of exposure to an allergen. It causes a massive release of chemicals that constricts the airways and dilates blood vessels, leading to symptoms such as hives or skin rash, swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing (wheezing), nausea or vomiting, and a rapid weak pulse from a dangerous drop in blood pressure. This condition is life-threatening and requires immediate treatment with an epinephrine injection and emergency medical care.

Bell’s Palsy causes sudden weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles on one side, leading to a drooping face, inability to close the eyelid, drooling, and loss of forehead wrinkles. Symptoms typically peak within 48 hours and most people begin to improve within about two weeks; full recovery usually occurs within three to six months. Doctors often treat Bell’s Palsy with corticosteroids to reduce nerve inflammation, and most patients regain normal muscle function over time.

Brachial neuritis (Parsonage–Turner Syndrome) is a rare neurological condition that causes sudden, intense pain in the shoulder and upper arm, typically followed by significant muscle weakness. The acute pain phase usually lasts from days to a few weeks, after which strength gradually returns; it is common for recovery of nerve function to take several months or longer even after the pain subsides. This condition is thought to involve an immune-mediated injury to the nerves of the brachial plexus, often triggered by infection or vaccination.

Bursitis occurs when a fluid-filled sac (bursa) that cushions a joint becomes inflamed. Vaccine-related bursitis (often under the umbrella of SIRVA) can result when an injection is placed too high or deep in the shoulder, inadvertently entering the subacromial or subdeltoid bursa. This causes severe shoulder pain, swelling, and restricted range of motion often starting within hours to days after vaccination.

A cardiac arrhythmia is an abnormal heart rhythm, meaning the heart beats too fast, too slow, or irregularly. People with arrhythmia may experience palpitations (the feeling of a racing or fluttering heart), dizziness, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, or fainting. Some arrhythmias are benign, but serious ones can lead to complications like stroke or heart attack due to impaired blood flow.

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain condition that usually affects one limb following injury or trauma. It involves intense, burning pain out of proportion to the original injury, along with skin changes (such as color or temperature alterations), swelling, and abnormal sweating in the affected area. CRPS symptoms can persist and even become disabling; the pain is usually continuous and often worsens with movement.

Demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system involve damage to the myelin sheath that insulates nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord. This group of conditions includes disorders like multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica (NMO) and acute transverse myelitis. Depending on which nerves are affected, symptoms can include vision loss, double vision, muscle weakness, coordination and balance problems, sensory changes (tingling or numbness), and bladder or bowel dysfunction.

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain tissue, most often caused by a viral infection (or an autoimmune response). It usually begins with flu-like symptoms – fever, headache, fatigue – that rapidly progress to serious neurological signs, such as confusion, seizures, stiff neck, or paralysis. Encephalitis is a medical emergency; without prompt treatment, it can lead to permanent brain damage or even death.

Erythroderma (also known as exfoliative dermatitis) is a severe inflammatory skin condition that causes widespread redness and peeling, usually affecting more than 90% of the body’s surfaces. It often arises in people with pre-existing skin conditions (like eczema or psoriasis) but can also be triggered by drugs or systemic disease. The extensive skin involvement can disrupt the body’s ability to regulate temperature and fluids, leading to heat loss, dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and increased risk of infection.

Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a condition in which the shoulder capsule becomes inflamed and stiff, severely restricting motion. The shoulder goes through a painful “freezing” stage followed by a gradual loss of mobility (“frozen”), and it can take a long time to thaw out. Recovery is typically very slow – often one to three years – and may require physical therapy, steroid injections, or even surgery to restore range of motion.

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with GBS caused by a vaccine, navigating the complexities of this condition can be overwhelming. Understanding the nuances of GBS, its link to vaccinations, and the options available for treatment is vital. GBS is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the peripheral nerves, stripping away their myelin sheath. It usually begins with tingling and weakness in the feet and legs, which often rapidly spreads upward to the arms and torso. Because it can escalate quickly, severe cases may lead to paralysis of the breathing muscles, requiring emergency care (such as assisted ventilation) until recovery begins. Large-scale studies have been conducted to investigate the association between vaccines and GBS, providing important evidence for vaccine safety.

ITP is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system destroys blood platelets, leading to a very low platelet count. This results in bleeding and bruising because platelets are needed to form clots. Patients with ITP often present with symptoms like easy bruising, tiny pinpoint skin spots (petechiae), nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or heavy menstrual bleeding. The MMR vaccine has been associated with rare cases of ITP, prompting ongoing monitoring and research.

Shoulder impingement syndrome occurs when the top of the shoulder blade (acromion) pinches the rotator cuff tendons beneath it, causing pain. This pinching often results from swelling or anatomical narrowing, and it produces pain especially during overhead arm movements or lifting. Patients with impingement typically feel shoulder pain that worsens with activity and can limit range of motion.

Intussusception occurs when one segment of the intestine slides (“telescopes”) into an adjacent segment. This causes an intestinal blockage that prevents food and fluids from passing normally through the bowel. It can also cut off blood flow to the affected part of the intestine, leading to sudden, severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and potentially life-threatening shock if not promptly treated. The first rotavirus vaccine, RotaShield, was withdrawn from the market after it was linked to an increased risk of intussusception in infants.

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO), also known as Devic’s disease, is an autoimmune disorder that primarily attacks the optic nerves and the spinal cord. This inflammation causes sudden vision loss in one or both eyes and can produce severe weakness or paralysis of the limbs, numbness, and loss of bladder or bowel control. Some patients may also experience systemic symptoms like hiccups or vomiting.

Nodular fasciitis is a benign, rapidly growing soft-tissue tumor made up of fibroblasts, often occurring in muscle or connective tissues. Despite its fast growth, it is noncancerous and these nodules often stabilize or regress on their own. In some cases, however, surgical removal or steroid injection may be recommended if the nodule presses on nearby structures or causes pain.

Peripheral neuropathy refers to damage or dysfunction of the peripheral nerves that carry signals between the brain/spinal cord and the rest of the body. Depending on which nerves are affected, symptoms can include sensory problems (numbness, tingling, burning pain), motor issues (muscle weakness, cramps), or autonomic disturbances (blood pressure changes, abnormal sweating). These symptoms often begin in the hands or feet and may spread upward over time.

Polymyalgia rheumatica causes aching stiffness in the shoulder and hip muscles, most pronounced in the morning or after periods of inactivity. It is an inflammatory condition often seen in older adults and can be closely related to giant cell arteritis. Treatment with low-dose corticosteroids typically leads to rapid symptom relief (often within days), although therapy is usually continued for many months to prevent relapse.

Residual seizure disorder refers to a pattern of seizures clearly triggered by a vaccination and not by fever or other known causes. It is defined by an initial post-vaccination seizure followed by at least two more unprovoked seizures within one year of the vaccine. The seizure types can vary (for example, tonic-clonic or absence seizures), but all are linked back to the vaccine events.

A rotator cuff injury involves damage (such as a tear) to the tendons of the muscles that surround the shoulder joints. This causes a dull, deep shoulder ache that often worsens at night and limits arm movement. Patients typically feel pain when lifting the arm or reaching behind, and conservative treatment (rest, physical therapy) is usually attempted before considering surgery for severe tears.

Shoulder tendinitis (rotator cuff tendinitis) is inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons in the shoulder. It results in pain, swelling, and reduced shoulder strength or range of motion – for example, pain when lifting the arm or lying on the affected side. This condition often develops from repetitive use or injury, and if left untreated it can worsen or even tear the tendon.

Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA) is an inflammatory shoulder injury that occurs when a vaccine intended for the deltoid muscle is injected too high or deep, entering the joint or bursa. The vaccine contents then trigger an immune-mediated inflammatory response, often causing bursitis, tendonitis, or other painful conditions of the shoulder. Symptoms can begin immediately or hours to days later, typically with severe shoulder pain and limited motion.

Transverse myelitis is inflammation across a segment of the spinal cord, interrupting nerve signals to and from the brain. Patients usually experience sudden onset of neurological symptoms at or below the affected spinal level – such as a band-like numbness or tingling around the trunk, weakness in the legs (and sometimes arms), and bowel or bladder dysfunction. This is a serious condition that often requires prompt medical treatment to minimize lasting neurological damage.

Ulnar neuropathy is damage or compression of the ulnar nerve, which runs from the shoulder down to the little finger. It typically causes numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hand, especially affecting the ring and little fingers, and may make gripping or hand movement difficult. Common causes include prolonged elbow pressure or inflammation from an injury; treatments can include bracing, therapy, and in some cases surgery.

Undifferentiated connective tissue disorder is a term for a patient who has symptoms of an autoimmune connective tissue disease but does not meet the full criteria for any specific diagnosis (like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis). Patients often have systemic symptoms such as joint pain and swelling, skin rashes or spots, Raynaud’s phenomenon (cold-triggered color changes in fingers/toes), and fatigue. It can sometimes represent an early stage of a known autoimmune disease.

Vasculitis refers to a group of disorders involving inflammation of the blood vessels. This inflammation can narrow or block blood vessels, leading to reduced blood flow; severe forms can cause blood clots or aneurysm formation (weakened vessel walls). Symptoms vary widely depending on which vessels are affected – for example, it may cause skin rashes, nerve pain, organ dysfunction, or general systemic symptoms like fever and weight loss.

Vasovagal syncope is a common type of fainting caused by a sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure, which reduces blood flow to the brain. It often occurs in response to a trigger (such as pain or stress), leading to warning symptoms like lightheadedness, sweating, nausea, pale skin, and blurred vision just before brief loss of consciousness. The episode usually resolves quickly once the person is lying down, but care should be taken to prevent injury from falls.

Vitiligo is an autoimmune skin disorder in which the immune system attacks melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells, leading to well-defined white patches of skin. These depigmented areas often appear symmetrically on both sides of the body (for example, on the hands or face) and may gradually expand over time. The condition is chronic and usually requires dermatological treatments – such as topical therapies or light therapy – to try to restore pigment, although complete reversal is not guaranteed.

It is important to obtain quality legal representation for your vaccine injury case. Siri & Glimstad, LLP’s nationally recognized vaccine injury group is composed of an entire department of dedicated professionals ready to represent people who have been injured by common vaccinations, including influenza (“flu”), tetanus (“Tdap”), hepatitis B (“Hep B”), and pneumococcal vaccines, among others. Our curated team of attorneys and support staff possess unique and highly specialized skills that enable us to provide aggressive and competent representation for our clients.

We believe that your relationship with your attorney is critical to your legal experience. If you are reading this, chances are you or someone you love may be enduring one of the most physically and emotionally difficult times in their life. Respect and compassion are fundamental to our practice. We understand that clear and honest communication is paramount to our client’s experience. You will receive highly personalized, transparent representation with direct access to an attorney during all stages of your case. Every single one of our clients is a priority.

If you believe that you or a loved one has suffered from a vaccine injury, then don’t wait to contact us. The court imposes strict deadlines that must be met to preserve your vaccine injury claim. Contact Siri & Glimstad today for a free consultation with one of our vaccine injury attorneys.