Injuries from the Rotavirus Vaccine

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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.

  • Rotarix (RV1) requires 2 doses: The first dose is at 2 months of age, and the second dose is at 4 months of age.
  • 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.

How long do I have to file

my claim in the VICP after my vaccinations?

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.

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DISCLAIMER: 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.
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