As flu season returns and vaccine clinics pop up in workplaces, pharmacies, and clinics across Minnesota and Wisconsin, it’s important to understand both the benefits and the potential risks of vaccinations. While flu shots help prevent illness for millions every year, some individuals experience serious side effects — including shoulder injuries and neurological conditions that may qualify for compensation through the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program.
Two of the most commonly reported flu vaccine injuries are:
Understanding these injuries and how to respond to symptoms can help ensure that those affected receive proper care and, when appropriate, pursue legal options for recovery.
What is SIRVA?
SIRVA occurs when a vaccine is injected too high or too deep into the shoulder, causing inflammation and damage to underlying structures like the bursa or rotator cuff. This is a mechanical injury, not a reaction to the vaccine ingredients.
Common Causes:
- Injection too high on the upper arm
- Improper needle angle or length
- Poor visualization of the injection site (e.g. sleeves not fully removed)
Symptoms May Include:
- Immediate or delayed shoulder pain
- Limited range of motion
- Diagnoses such as bursitis, adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder), or rotator cuff injury
If symptoms don’t resolve within a few days or worsen, a medical evaluation — including MRI or ultrasound — is important for diagnosis and treatment planning.
What is Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)?
GBS is a rare neurological disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks its own nerves. It can be triggered by infections — and in rare cases, by vaccinations including the flu shot. GBS typically begins with tingling and weakness in the legs, which can progress to paralysis.
Symptoms of GBS:
- Weakness or tingling in legs and arms
- Difficulty walking or controlling movement
- Rapidly progressing muscle weakness
While rare, GBS is serious and can require hospitalization, physical therapy, and long-term support.
How to Reduce the Risk of SIRVA
SIRVA is largely preventable with proper technique:
- The injection should be placed in the middle third of the deltoid muscle
- A 90-degree angle with the appropriate needle length is essential
- Wear a sleeveless shirt or remove the sleeve to allow full visibility of the shoulder
What to Do if You’re Injured
If you suspect you have SIRVA or GBS after a flu shot, it’s important to:
- Seek medical attention promptly
- Document your symptoms
- Speak with an attorney experienced in vaccine injury law
Filing a Claim Through the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program
The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) allows individuals injured by covered vaccines to receive compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering (up to $250,000)
- Lost wages
Attorney’s fees are paid separately by the Court, so pursuing a claim does not reduce your compensation.
Flu vaccines are one of the most commonly covered vaccines under the VICP, and SIRVA is among the most frequently filed claims in recent years. While these injuries remain statistically rare, being informed can make a critical difference in recognizing symptoms and getting the help you need.
Contact Us
If you believe you or a loved one has suffered a shoulder injury or other vaccine-related harm, contact Kathleen Loucks to discuss your options. Navigating the vaccine court process requires precision and experience, and I’m here to help.