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:
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.
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:
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.
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.
There are two types of meningococcal vaccines, MenACWY and MenB:
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:
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:
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.
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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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.
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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.