Vaccine Injury Attorney for Diphtheria Victims
Injuries Resulting from DTP, DTaP, or Td
Diphtheria is an infectious disease of the upper respiratory tract that has been largely eliminated in developed nations through widespread vaccinations. Diphtheria is spread from person to person through external secretions that result from coughing or sneezing, and it can cause breathing problems, paralysis, heart failure, and even death.
Vaccination against diphtheria has been routinely given to U.S. children since the 1940s. The DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) vaccine that was once the medical standard has now been replaced by DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis). DTaP is generally regarded to be just as effective as DTP but has fewer side effects and safety risks. DTaP is a variant of the vaccination that is suitable for adolescents or adults. Since a vaccine’s effectiveness decreases over time, Td (tetanus and diphtheria) boosters are recommended every ten years throughout adulthood.
Common side effects of a diphtheria vaccination include:
- Shoulder injury
- Pain and Swelling
- Rash
- Mild Fever
- Irritability
- Drowsiness
- Fussiness
- Vomiting
- Loss of Appetite
What Should I Do if More Serious Symptoms Develop After a Diphtheria Vaccination?
Though diphtheria vaccinations are considered to be very safe, rare but severe side effects can occur. If you or your child has experienced any of the following symptoms after a DTap, Td, or Tdap vaccination, it’s important that you seek professional counsel right away.
Actionable symptoms include:
- Shoulder Pain – Injury
- Seizure
- Non-stop Crying
- High Fever
- Coma
- Lower Consciousness
- Permanent Brain Damage
- Death
- Deficit Disorder
- Learning Disorders
- Brain Damage
Jeffrey S. Pop & Associates is experienced in vaccine-related litigation. We do not file frivolous lawsuits, but we do help clients from all over the country who have been injured by a vaccination. The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program exists to compensate families who have suffered the rare and severe side effects associated with certain vaccines.
Contact Jeffrey S. Pop & Associates today for a free consultation.