Injuries from the Rotavirus Vaccine
Discuss Your Case with our Vaccine Injury Lawyers
Worldwide, rotavirus is a leading cause of severe diarrhea among children.
2 million children are hospitalized each year with the viral infection,
and more than 500,000 children under 5 years of age die from this virus.
Rotavirus disease causes severe acute gastroenteritis, is highly contagious,
and a significant problem in day cares and hospitals.
Symptoms can last up to 8 days and can include fever, nausea, abdominal
cramps, vomiting, and watery diarrhea. It is the frequency of the diarrhea
that can lead to dehydration and death. Before the vaccine, almost all
children in the U.S. had a least 1 bout of the disease by the age of 5.
Rotarix (RV1) and RotaTeq (RV5) Vaccines
In 1998, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a live virus
vaccine for use in young children. This vaccine, RotaShield, was disallowed
for use in 1999 because of adverse reactions.
Currently, there are two types of rotavirus vaccines approved by the FDA.
Both are to be given orally.
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Rotarix (RV1) requires 2 doses: The first dose is at 2 months of age, and the second
dose is at 4 months of age.
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RotaTeq (RV5) is given in 3 doses: The first dose is administered at 2 months of age,
the second dose at 4 months of age, and the third dose at 6 months of age.
In 2010, the FDA became aware of the presence of the porcine circovirus
(PCV1) in Rotarix and parts of PCV1 and PCV2 in RotaTeq. These viruses
are not considered harmful to humans.
According to the CDC's Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS),
inadequate training of medical personnel and failure to read recommended
dosing instructions has led to the vaccine being improperly administered
through a syringe, instead of orally. Medical providers, parents, and
infants have also experienced eye injuries from contact with vaccine splashes.
Most infants do not experience any side effects from the vaccines. Minor
effects from either rotavirus vaccine can include fussiness, mild diarrhea
and / or vomiting.
As with most vaccines, there is still a small risk of a severe allergic
reaction that requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms can include:
- Difficulties breathing
- Wheezing
- Hives
- Paleness
- Rapid heartbeat
Both Rotarix (RV1) and RotaTeq (RV5) vaccines have been known to cause
intussusception, a rare, but serious condition. In intussusception, part of the intestine
slides, or "telescopes," into an adjacent part creating a blockage
requiring corrective surgery. Intussusception cuts off the blood supply
to the part of the affected intestine, and can lead to a bowel perforation,
infection, and death of bowel tissue.
Shoulder Injury from Vaccination
Complications from vaccine administration can include
sharp shoulder pain, upper arm pain, and much more. If you experienced swelling / tenderness
at the site of injection, injury to the nerves at the site of injection,
or lumps and nodules at the site of injection, you may be due compensation
for your suffering. Brachial neuritis, rotator cuff injury, and frozen
shoulder are other complications that can be experienced from vaccine
administration. If your vaccine resulted in more than six (6) months of
medical complications and / or the need for surgical procedure, contact
an attorney immediately.
Free Claim Evaluation for Rotavirus Vaccine Injuries
For decades, the experienced vaccine injury attorneys at
Jeffrey S. Pop & Associates have been helping clients nationwide who have been injured as a result
of a vaccine. We are an experienced firm with an excellent track record
of proven results. Put our
more than 50 years of combined experience to work on your vaccine compensation case.
If your loved one has suffered a serious side effect from the rotavirus vaccine,
contact our vaccine injury office today for a complimentary claim evaluation by phone, email, or in person.