Meningococcal Vaccine Injury Lawyer
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Why Choose Jeffrey J. Pop & Associates to Represent Your Vaccine Injury Case?
- Clients pay no attorneys’ fees or costs upfront.
- With over 40 years of legal experience, our firm has a track record of success in vaccine injury cases.
- We boast a success rate of over 90% for our clients in vaccine injury cases.
- Our founding attorney has the highest Martindale-Hubbell® rating of AV Preeminent®.
- We provide individualized service, ensuring each client receives dedicated attention and support.
- We offer free consultations to discuss potential vaccine injury cases, providing an opportunity for individuals to learn about their legal options without financial commitment.
- Our clients trust in our experience and results, as evidenced by testimonials sharing stories of successful representation.
Reactions to Meningococcal (Bacterial Meningitis) Vaccines
Protect Yourself with an Experienced Vaccine Injury Lawyer
Meningococcal disease can cause serious infection of the blood and the tissues around the spinal cord and brain. Neisseria meningitidis bacteria also called meningococcus, are spread through saliva or spit and close or ongoing contact.
Though not the only cause of meningitis, meningococcus is the leading cause of bacterial meningitis in the U.S. for children 2 to 18 years old. Of the more than 1,000 individuals affected each year, 10-15% will die as a result of this disease.
Nearly 20% of the remaining survivors will:
- Lose a limb
- Develop nervous system disorders
- Become deaf
- Or suffer cognitive disabilities, seizures, or strokes
Our attorneys can provide affordable legal advocacy to individuals who have suffered vaccine injuries. Let us go to court for you so that you can focus on recovering.
Who Is Most At-Risk for Meningococcal Disease?
Anyone can acquire meningococcal disease, but it is most common in infants less than a year old and individuals aged 16-21. Certain medical conditions, such as a lack of a spleen, can create increased risk.
Recent outbreaks on college campuses nationwide have highlighted the threats to students living in dorms, and therefore have amplified the number of vaccinations being given. In the United States, there are two kinds of meningococcal vaccines available. Meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4 or MenACWY) is given to individuals 55 years of age and younger.
Meningitis Vaccine Side Effects
It’s common for people to experience side effects after receiving a vaccination. In fact, the CDC states that about 50% of the people who get a meningococcal conjugate vaccine have mild side effects after receiving the vaccination, including fever or redness and pain where you got the shot. Given the severity of meningococcal disease, the benefits of MCV4 are considered to outweigh the risks.
According to the CDC, Meningococcal vaccine problems can include:
- Soreness, redness, or swelling where you got the shot
- Tiredness (fatigue)
- Headache
- Muscle or joint pain
- Fever or chills
- Nausea or diarrhea
Potential Meningitis Vaccine Injuries
Some patients may experience more serious complications after receiving a meningococcal vaccine. Occasionally, recipients develop Guillain-Barré syndrome, leading to neurological symptoms such as muscle weakness and tingling or numbing. In addition, an improperly administered vaccination may cause serious shoulder injuries.
Experiencing Shoulder Pain After a Vaccine or Surgical Procedure?
If you are experiencing a rotator cuff injury, frozen shoulder, and/or brachial neuritis after a surgical procedure or after receiving a vaccine, you may be entitled to compensation. Oftentimes, these procedures can cause sharp shoulder pain at the site of the injection. If you’ve felt permanent swelling or tenderness that lasts 6 or more months after the procedure, contact our firm immediately.
Common Side Effects of Meningitis Vaccines
Most people who take the meningococcal vaccine do not experience a negative reaction. Just like other medications, there’s a chance of side effects. Even so, most side effects are mild and disappear after a few days without medical intervention.
In some instances, there’s a chance of severe reaction.
There are a variety of side effects depending on the type of vaccine, including:
MenABCWY Vaccine
People display the following mild reactions after receiving the MenABCWY vaccine:
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Diarrhea or Nausea
- Chills of fever
- Joint or Muscle pain
- Redness, soreness, and swelling after receiving the vaccine shot
These mild reactions can last for 3-5 days.
MenB Vaccine
People who take the MenB vaccine experience similar side effects to those who take the MenABCWY vaccine. When these mild reactions occur, they can last up to 3 to 5 days.
MenACWY Vaccine
People who take the MenACWY vaccine experience the following mild reactions that last for 1-2 days.
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Redness and soreness after receiving the shot
Serious Complications from Meningitis Vaccination
Although many side effects of meningitis vaccinations are mild, there is a chance of severe reactions, which can be life-threatening.
Symptoms of severe allergic reactions include:
- Hives
- Swelling of the throat and face
- Difficulty breathing
- A quick heartbeat
- Weakness
- Dizziness
If you experience any of the above severe reactions, call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room.
Addressing Meningitis Vaccine Allergic Reactions
A certain age and health condition expose people to a severe allergic reaction. As such, some people should not get the vaccine or should wait before getting a shot.
Inform your healthcare provider about the following health concerns before you or your child gets the vaccine:
Your or your child had a severe allergy or a life-threatening allergic reaction
The doctor will most likely recommend you avoid getting another vaccine if you have a life-threatening reaction to the vaccine. They may also advise you against taking the vaccination if you have a severe reaction to any ingredient of the immunization.
If you or your child is unwell
You can get the vaccine if you have a mild illness like a cold. However, a doctor may advise you against the vaccine until you recover from a moderate or severe illness.
If you’re in the pregnancy or breastfeeding stage
Pregnant or breastfeeding women at risk of developing meningococcal disease should get vaccinated. However, they should always consult their health provider in deciding whether the risks outweigh the benefits.
In some instances, people faint after specific medical procedures, including vaccinations. It is, therefore, recommended to sit or lie down for 15 minutes after vaccinations to prevent fainting and fall injuries.
More importantly, alert your health provider if you feel ringing in your ears, feel dizzy, or have vision changes.
Duration of Meningitis Vaccine Side Effects
Most mild or moderate side effects from MenACWY vaccines will last one to three days. You can still obtain a vaccine if you have a minor illness like a cold. However, if you are severely sick, you should wait, as this can make the side effects last longer or worsen. Mild or moderate side effects from MenB vaccines can last three to five days. Side effects from either vaccine should go away within a week if they worsen or continue after this time, inform your doctor.
You should seek medical assistance immediately if you suffer from a severe side effect. While it is rare, teens are more likely to have side effects from MenB vaccinations. This is compared to other vaccines given to preteens and teens. If the patient suffers a severe allergic reaction like facial swelling, rapid heartbeat, hives, dizziness, or weakness, then you should call 911 immediately. These symptoms will not go away independently and require immediate medical attention. A hospitalization may also mean you need assistance from a national vaccine injury attorney.
Assessing the Efficacy and Worth of the Meningitis Vaccine
Meningococcal vaccines are recommended to protect children and others from bacteria that can cause infections in the meningitis or bloodstream. It can be life-threatening if left untreated. MenACWY projects against four strains, with MenB protecting against the fifth strain. The biggest cons of getting this vaccine is the potential side effects. If you experience an adverse side effect, it can cost you your life. You can also suffer permanent disease. If this happens, you could be eligible for compensation. Speak to our national vaccine injury attorneys from Jeffrey S. Pop & Associates.
Contraindications and Precautions for Meningitis Vaccination
While vaccines can be helpful for some, they can be detrimental to others. Any person with a severe allergic reaction to a previous meningitis vaccine should not receive an additional dose. Additionally, if a person suffers from a severe allergy to specific vaccine components, they should avoid these vaccines. It is ill-advised to take the vaccine if you have a moderate or severe acute illness. However, some providers may deem the benefits outweigh the risks. Talk to your doctor and stop administration if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable.
Pregnant women should take special considerations when contemplating this vaccine. You should not get the vaccine if you:
- Have life-threatening allergies
- Had a severe allergic reaction to a MenACWY vaccine
- Anyone under ten years of age
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have a latex allergy
You can find additional information on reasons you should avoid getting the meningitis vaccine here. If you suffer adverse side effects, report it to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System. They monitor for early warning signs of vaccine safety issues. Also, discuss your legal options with our nationwide vaccine injury attorney.
Long-Term Effects and Safety Profile of Meningitis Vaccines
Mild side effects are common with these vaccines. Severe allergic reactions are rare but also possible. In the worst cases, serious injury and death can happen after taking the vaccine. Additionally, there have been reports that the vaccines have led to Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS). The CDC cites their studies stating no correlation between vaccination and GBS syndrome. Jeffrey S. Pop & Associates help clients nationwide who suffer adverse vaccine reactions.
The Relationship Between Meningitis Vaccines and Autoimmune Diseases
The National Institute of Health has not found a correlation between the vaccine and autoimmune disease. However, chronic meningitis can lead to a range of symptoms and diseases like lupus, vasculitis, sarcoidosis, and Behcet disease. While the CDC and other government agencies do not find these correlations, other agencies suspect the meningitis vaccine can cause autoimmune disorders like:
- Brachial neuritis
- Encephalopathy
- Guillain-Barre syndrome
- Immune thrombocytopenic purpura
- Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
- Pheumota arthritis
- Transverse myelitis
If you are diagnosed with any of these conditions after a meningitis vaccine, you should speak to our national vaccine injury lawyer today.
Meningitis Vaccines and Long-Term Side Effects
While the meningitis vaccine is linked to mild side effects, severe allergic reactions, serious injury, and cases of death are rare. There are also reports that the meningitis vaccine can cause Guillain-Barré Syndrome(GBS); however, extensive studies from the CDC concluded no link between the syndrome and immunization.
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Assistance With Vaccine-Related Injuries
At Jeffrey S. Pop & Associates, our experienced vaccine injury attorneys help clients nationwide who have been injured as a result of a vaccine. At your free initial consultation either by phone, email, or in person, we can begin determining if you have a valid case.
The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) was created in 1986 to compensate individuals and their families who have suffered side effects from certain vaccines. This same fund covers the plaintiff’s attorney fees whether your case is won or lost, as long as it is filed “in good faith and with a reasonable basis.” This means that you can seek adequate compensation at no cost to you.
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There are two types of meningococcal vaccines, MenACWY and MenB:
- MenACWY should be given to teens and pre-teens; a booster dose should be given 4-5 years after the initial vaccine.
- MenB vaccines may be given to older teens between 16 and 18. The vaccine is typically administered in 2 doses.
For children younger than 10 and adults, MenACWY is only recommended for patients with certain risk factors. Likewise, MenB may be administered to children over 10 and adults who are at higher risk for certain types of meningitis.
Yes, a small percentage of patients experience side effects including:
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Nausea
- Or diarrhea after a vaccine
The MenB vaccine is more likely to cause side effects than MenACWY, though either could generate a reaction. These symptoms normally disappear 3-5 days after the vaccine was administered. If symptoms persist outside of this timeframe, patients may need to seek follow-up care to test for more serious complications.
Pre-filled syringes may contain latex, so patients with sensitivity should discuss inoculation alternatives with their doctor. Anyone who has experienced an allergic reaction after a vaccine should speak to their doctor about safety concerns before they receive further shots.
No. A meningococcal vaccine is not “live”—it consists of proteins re-combined to mimic the bacteria that can cause meningitis. Even among populations with weak immune systems, the vaccine should not cause infection. However, it is advised that patients who do ill not receive the vaccine.
Families can file with the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) if the administering institution is covered; otherwise, they may file a civil lawsuit. A lawyer can help you gather the necessary documentation and fill out the VICP petition or begin the legal process.
Serious vaccine injury can result in disability or even wrongful death. This kind of tragedy can utterly devastate the family involved.
While nothing can make up for this kind of loss, filing for compensation either with the VICP or in court can help families recover:
- Medical costs covering complications
- Projected future medical costs
- Loss of consortium
- Legal fees
If you or a loved one experiences severe side effects after a meningococcal vaccine, it’s important to keep detailed records to be used as evidence down the line. Medical documents and bills should be copied or scanned so you have backups. Then, speak to a lawyer.
They can advise you on whether you have a claim and help you gather and organize the evidence and start the filing process. In a time that’s likely filled with stress, fear, and sadness, it’s important to have someone who knows the rules and procedures on your side.
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DISCLAIMER: Any information submitted is confidential. With respect to a vaccine‑related injury, the statute of limitations requires that you file a claim with the U.S. Court of Federal Claims within 3 years from the onset
of first symptoms. In the event of a vaccine‑related death, a claim must be filed no later than 2 years from the date of death. Your inquiry will be responded to by our team within 24 business hours.