Autoimmune disorders occur when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys healthy tissue. Common autoimmune disorders include Graves disease, reactive arthritis, Addison disease, and Type 1 diabetes.
When you have an autoimmune disorder, your immune system cannot differentiate between healthy tissues and potentially harmful antigens. Consequently, the body sets off a reaction that destroys healthy cells.
The exact cause of the autoimmune disorder is unknown; however, one theory is that micro-organisms—such as bacteria and viruses—or drugs may trigger changes that disorient the immune system. Since drugs are believed to trigger autoimmune disorders, some patients are concerned about the potential risks of vaccines.
Are you considering vaccinating your child against conditions like the flu? Although vaccines are generally safe according to the CDC, some are associated with rare but serious immune disorders.
If you or your child has become ill or sustained an injury after a vaccine shot, consider consulting a trusted vaccine injury attorney.
The Connection Between Vaccines and Autoimmune Diseases
Vaccination is one of the best tools to prevent illnesses, including autoimmune diseases. However, many people worry that vaccines can cause health problems.
Here are a few misconceptions about why people link vaccines with autoimmune disorders:
- Since vaccination rates and the rate of autoimmune disorders have gone up, there must be a connection. Even so, it is false. According to experts, the rate of autoimmune disorders has increased due to lifestyle and environmental changes, as opposed to vaccination.
- Another misconception is that your immune system might attack your body if you get vaccinated. Since vaccinations activate the immune system, people may worry that the vaccinations may cause autoimmune disorders. Fortunately, there is strong evidence against this notion.
Researchers have conducted numerous studies on the relationship between autoimmune disorders and vaccines.
For instance, one study on the relationship between the Hib (haemophilus influenzae type b) vaccine and Type 1 diabetes observed approximately 50,000 children from birth until age 10 to 12.
Fifty percent of the children received the Hib vaccine as infants, while the other half didn’t. Receiving the Hib vaccine didn’t increase the risk of developing Type diabetes later in life.
Another study published by the New England Journal of Medicine tried to establish a connection between the Hepatitis B vaccine and multiple sclerosis (MS). The study involved two large cohorts of nurses in the United States.
The first study involved 121,700 women since 1976, and additional research has observed 116,671 women since 1989. The analyses also included 192 women with multiple sclerosis. The study found no association between doses of vaccine received and the risk of multiple sclerosis.
Can Flu Shots Cause Autoimmune Disorders?
During the fall season, health providers encourage people to get a flu vaccine to prevent the influenza virus. Many people are concerned about whether the flu vaccine can cause GBS(Guillain-Barré syndrome).
GBS is an autoimmune disorder that can cause short-term paralysis in the toes, legs, and upper body movements. There are numerous studies on the link between GBS and autoimmune disorders.
In a study published in the National Library of Medicine, there is negligible risk of developing GBS after a flu shot, with 1-3 cases of GBS in every 1,000,000 flu shots administered. As such, there’s no substantial association between influenza vaccination and adverse effects in patients with autoimmune disorders.
Here’s an interesting twist, however. The flu causes GBS in 17 out of a million people. It means you’re more likely to get GBS from the flu than the flu vaccine. If you look at the conclusion differently, the flu vaccine may protect you from GBS.
Childhood Vaccines and Autoimmune Diseases
The common childhood vaccines include Polio, Measles, Hepatitis A, Chicken Pox, and Pneumococcal disease. Some parents are hesitant to take their children for vaccination based on rumors that are easily spread in the era of free information.
The decision of whether to take a vaccine affects the whole community.
Side Effects of Vaccines
Like any medication, vaccines can have side effects. The most common side effects of vaccines are mild, including soreness at the injection point or fever. Serious side effects of vaccines are rare.
Most parents fear that autism is a side effect of vaccines. It is understandable why parents suspect vaccines are a cause of autism. The symptoms of autism become clear early in life, which is a coincidence when children receive a lot of vaccines— since children are vulnerable to a lot of infections.
The notion has been extensively researched, with no evidence linking vaccines to autism.
A CDC study added to a series of research showing that vaccines do not cause Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The study focussed on the number of antigens administered during the first two years of life.
Antigens are substances in the vaccine that enable the body to produce an illness-fighting antibody. The results showed that the vaccine’s total number of antigens received was the same between the children with ASD and those without.
Similarly, another CDC-funded study found no link between the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine and ASD in children. The studies also concluded that there is no link between thimerosal-containing vaccines and ASD.
The Importance of Legal Assistance in Cases of Vaccine Injury
A vaccine injury is an adverse reaction following a vaccine injury. Although rare, vaccine injuries can be serious. After vaccination, you may experience mild symptoms like itching or severe complications like anaphylaxis.
It is also possible to sustain Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration(SIRVA), which is an injury caused by a vaccine injection that can lead to pain and stiffness in the shoulder.
Consider consulting a vaccine injury attorney if:
- The insurer has denied your claim
- You’ve sustained a serious injury
- The insurer has tabled a low-settlement offer
- You’re unsure of how to pursue compensation
Children who have experienced an injury or illness after receiving a vaccine may have a petition filed on their behalf. Parents, legal guardians, or legal representatives are eligible to submit these claims for minors.
Get in Touch With an Experienced Vaccine Injury Attorney
Suppose your health has become worse after taking a vaccine shot. In that case, your quality of life is likely to worsen because of mounting medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. You, therefore, deserve compensation for your injury-related losses.