Vaccine Side Effects & Injury Lawyers
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a vaccine side effect, you should contact a vaccine lawyer with experience in this type of complex litigation.
We have recently partnered with Schmidt & Clark, LLP a Nationally recognized law firm who handles vaccine lawsuits in all 50 states.
The lawyers at the firm offer a Free Confidential Case Evaluation and may be able to obtain financial compensation for you or a loved one by filing a vaccine lawsuit or claim with The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. Contact Schmidt & Clark today by using the form below or by calling them directly at .
Meningococcal Acwy Vaccine Side Effects
The meningococcal ACWY vaccine is effective and safe, although all medications can have unwanted side effects.
Side effects from this vaccine are uncommon and are usually mild, but may include:
- localised pain, redness and swelling at the injection site
- occasionally, an injection-site lump that may last many weeks
- low-grade temperature
- children being unsettled, irritable, tearful, or generally unhappy, drowsy and tired.
Rare Side Effects Of Meningococcal Immunisation
There is a very small risk of a serious allergic reaction to any vaccine. This is why you are advised to stay at the clinic or medical surgery for at least 15 minutes following immunisation in case further treatment is required.
If any other reactions are severe and persistent, or if you are worried, contact your doctor for further information.
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Side Effects Of The Menb Vaccine
Babies given the MenB vaccine alongside their other routine vaccinations at 8 and 16 weeks are likely to develop a high temperature within 24 hours of vaccination.
It’s important to give your baby liquid paracetamol following vaccination to reduce this risk. Your nurse will advise you about using children’s paracetamol at your vaccination appointment.
Other common side effects of the MenB vaccine include:
- pain, swelling or redness where the injection was given
- diarrhoea or being sick
- crying and irritability
The liquid paracetamol will also help with these symptoms.
An allergic reaction is a rare side effect of the MenB vaccine. This may be a rash or itching that affects part or all of the body.
Very rarely, a baby may have a severe allergic reaction after having the MenB vaccine.
Who Should Get The Meningococcal Vaccines
All children ages 11 through 12 years should receive meningococcal vaccine followed by a booster dose at age 16 years. Vaccination is also recommended for all adolescents ages 13 through 18 years who did not receive a dose at age 11-12 years.
Individuals ages 2 months and older who have certain conditions that weaken their immune system should receive meningococcal vaccine, including teens who are HIV positive. These persons should also receive booster shots every three to five years depending on their age. Talk to your health care provider if your preteen or teen has a condition that makes it harder for their body to fight off infection.
The MenB vaccine may also be given at age 16 years along with the MenACWY booster dose. MenB vaccine is also recommended for children age 10 years and older with certain high-risk conditions. The number of doses needed depends on the product used and if your child has a high-risk condition. Talk to your health care provider about this additional vaccine.
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What To Do If Your Baby Is Unwell After The Menb Vaccine
As with all vaccines, a few babies will have side effects, such as looking red or flushed, crying, feeling a bit irritable and so on, although in general these are mild and short-lived.
The majority of babies will not have any problems at all.
Follow the advice of your nurse about how to use liquid paracetamol to prevent fever after vaccination.
If your baby is unwell at any time after vaccination or you’re concerned about their health, trust your instincts and speak to your doctor or call NHS 111.
Never give medicines that contain aspirin to a baby.
Can I Get This Vaccine Privately
Yes. A variety of pharmacies, travel clinics and private GP practices offer this vaccine. Prices vary, so you may wish to contact more than one provider before making your choice. Expect to pay at least £100 per dose .
Some GP surgeries may be able to help, so you may wish to ask at your GP surgery first. However, NHS contracts may prevent GPs being able to offer private treatment to their own patients.
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Do I Need To Get Vaccinated If I Already Received A Meningitis Vaccine When I Was Younger
The meningitis vaccine most people have received covers meningitis groups ACWY, not meningitis B. Since a meningitis B vaccine was not available until 2014, most teenagers have not yet received the vaccine suggested for 16- to 23-year-olds.
Millions of teens arent vaccinated against meningitis B.
Vaccination may not protect all recipients.
What Does A Meningitis Rash Look Like
Meningitis rashes can be tricky to identify because they can look different from person to person. The UK-based Meningitis Research Foundation describes two different types of meningitis rashes: the “petechial” rash, which appears as red or purple pinpricks that can look like flea bites, and the “purpuric” rash, which looks more like a bruise and shows up as reddish-purple blotches on the skin.
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Where To Get It
A person may get the vaccine from local health centers, pharmacies, community health clinics, private clinics, health departments, and community locations, such as schools and religious centers.
Under the provisions of the Affordable Care Act, Health Insurance Marketplace plans and most private insurance plans cover the meningococcal vaccine, as well as several other vaccines.
Im Not A College Student Do I Still Need This Vaccine
The meningitis vaccine âis also a good idea for travelers who go to certain parts of sub-Saharan Africa, the so-called meningitis belt,â Schaffner says. Itâs also recommended for anyone with a damaged spleen, people whose spleen has been removed, people with terminal complement component deficiency , anyone who might have been exposed to meningitis during an outbreak, and microbiologists who routinely work with meningococcal bacteria.
Show Sources
William Schaffner, MD, president, National Foundation for Infectious Diseases professor, chairman, department of preventive medicine, professor of medicine, division of infectious diseases, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine.
CDC: âMeningococcal Vaccines: What You Need to Know.â
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Why Does My Baby Need To Get Immunised Against Menb
MenB infection is most common in babies and young children. This is because their immune systems arent yet fully developed to fight off infection. The highest number of cases are in babies around 5 months of age. This is why the first immunisations are offered to babies younger than this and have to be given at 2 and 4 months of age.
Teenagers and young adults are the next group most affected by MenB because the high level of social activity at these ages leads to an increase in the spread of bacteria.
Know The Facts Be Prepared
Although vaccination may not protect all individuals, vaccination against meningitis is your best defense against the disease, according to the CDC.
Its important to talk to your doctor or pharmacist about whether meningitis B vaccination is right for you. Download this fact sheet to better discuss meningitis B with your healthcare provider:
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How Do Inactivated Bacterial Vaccines Work
Inactivated bacterialvaccines are sterile biologic products that provide acquired immunity against certain bacterial infections. Inactivated bacterial vaccines work by stimulating the bodys immune system to produce antibodies against specific types of bacteria, and protect a person from becoming infected when exposed to these bacteria.
Inactivated bacterial vaccines are made from proteins or fragments of disease-causing bacteria grown inculture and then killed to prevent them from causing disease. Inactivated bacterial vaccines also contain substances that preserve and stabilize the vaccine, and boost immune response.
The main component of inactivated bacterial vaccines is the bacterial antigen against which the immune system produces antibodies. If exposed to the particular bacterial infection later in life, the immune system of the vaccinated person identifies the bacteria by the antigen, attacks and kills the bacteria, preventing illness.
Some inactivated bacterial vaccines are conjugated with tetanus or diphtheria bacterial toxoids to improve the immune response. Toxoids are toxins that are chemically altered to eliminate toxicity, but can be recognized as bacterial antigens by the immune system.
Inactivated bacterial vaccines do not provide as strong or long-lasting immunity as weakened live vaccines do, but are effective for people with compromised immunity. Inactivated bacterial vaccines provide immunity against the following bacterial infectious diseases:
How Common Is Menb Disease
MenB is now the cause of most cases of meningococcal disease in Scotland. There were 73 cases in Scotland in 2014. For 61 of these, it was possible to tell which type of infection caused them. Of the 61 cases, 42 were caused by type B .
Although this infection isn’t common, its very important to remember that MenB is extremely serious and can lead to permanent disability and death. The meningococcal bacteria can also cause local outbreaks in nurseries, schools and universities.
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Who Is At Most Risk For Meningococcal Disease
High-risk groups include anyone with a damaged spleen or whose spleen has been removed, those with persistent complement component deficiency , HIV infection, those traveling to countries where meningococcal disease is very common, microbiologists who routinely work with the bacteria and people who may have been exposed to meningococcal disease during an outbreak. People who live in certain settings such as college dormitories and military housing are also at greater risk of disease from some serotypes.
Heres Who Should Consider Getting The Meningitis B Vaccine
The CDC currently states that anyone 10 and up should get the vaccine in the following circumstances:
The CDC specifically calls out that it can be beneficial for people who are 16 to 23especially 16 to 18to get vaccinated against meningitis B.
If youre hoping to reduce your childs risk of getting meningitis B and other forms of meningococcal disease, talk to their doctor about vaccination. Now you have the information, you can decide how to best protect your childand help them protect themselves.
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Who Should Not Get The Vaccine
Speak with your health care provider if you or your child have had a life-threatening reaction to a previous dose of any meningococcal vaccine, or any component of the vaccine.
There is no need to delay getting immunized because of a cold or other mild illness.
However, if you have concerns speak with your health care provider.
Do You Know What Side Effects Meningitis Vaccine Has Here We Give You A Detailed Description Bonus Know Who Should Avoid This Vaccine
Meningitis is a condition that involves the inflammation of the lining of the brain, also called the meninges. It may be caused by a bacterial, fungal, or viral infection, which can develop into potentially fatal condition. Late diagnosis and treatment may result in permanent disability , coma, or death. To prevent bacterial meningitis such as that associated with meningococcemia, experts recommend receiving a meningitis vaccine. In this case, knowing the meningitis vaccine side effects beforhand is vital.
Meningococcemia or meningococcal disease is an infection caused by meningococcus bacteria. These bacteria spread by close or direct contact with someone who is infected. Early symptoms resemble a flu infection or a cold, but the disease becomes rapidly more severe, with symptoms like high fever, fatigue, headaches, stiff neck, and body aches. The infection spreads through the blood and can affect the brain meninges, resulting in meningitis.
To prevent meningococcal disease and meningitis, one should receive a meningitis vaccine, consisting of either a Meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine or a Meningococcal conjugate vaccine , both offered in the US. Although the vaccine itself does not cause meningococcal infection, it can cause some adverse side effects which are often mild. However, in some people, side effects may be more severe.
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What Is Meningitis B
Meningitis B is a disease caused by a bacteria that infects and inflames the tissue around the brain and spine, said Jessica Regnaert, MD, a family medicine specialist at Banner Health Center in Mesa, AZ.
Symptoms of meningitis B include fever, stiff neck, headache and a change in mental status like not thinking clearly or staying awake.
Meningitis B isnt common, but its a serious disease. About 10 to 15 percent of people who get infected die, sometimes within 24 hours after they start to show symptoms. And of the people who survive, about 20 percent have long-term disabilities like hearing loss, brain damage or loss of limbs.
What Happens After The Immunization
Your child might have a fever, soreness, and some swelling and redness at the injection area. Check with your doctor to see if you can give either acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain or fever and to find out the right dose.
A warm, damp cloth or a heating pad on the injection site may help reduce soreness, as can moving or using the arm.
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Who Should Get The Meningococcal Quadrivalent Conjugate Vaccine
The vaccine is provided free to children in grade 9.
The vaccine is also provided free to children and adults at high risk of meningococcal disease, including those who have:
- no spleen, or a spleen that is not working properly
- immune system disorders including complement, properdin or factor D deficiencies, or primary antibody deficiency
- an islet cell or solid organ transplant, or those who are waiting for one
- had a stem cell transplant
- been in close contact with a person with meningococcal A, Y or W-135 disease, or who are determined by public health to be at risk of infection with these during an outbreak in B.C.
The vaccine is recommended, but not provided free, for the following people:
- laboratory workers routinely exposed to meningococcal bacteria
- military personnel and
- those living or travelling in a high risk area for meningococcal disease.
For information on high risk travel areas contact a travel clinic.
The vaccine is usually given as 1 dose. Some people may need additional doses of the vaccine. Speak with your health care provider to find out if you need additional doses and when you should get them.
People who are not eligible for the free vaccine but want to be protected against meningococcal A, C, Y and W-135 strains of the disease can purchase the quadrivalent vaccine at most travel clinics and pharmacies.
It is important to keep a record of all immunizations received.
Shouldnt Meningococcal B Vaccine Be Required
CDCs Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has reviewed the available data regarding serogroup B meningococcal disease and the vaccines. At the current time, there is no routine recommendation and no statewide requirement for meningococcal B vaccination before going to college . As noted previously, adolescents and young adults may be vaccinated with a serogroup B meningococcal vaccine, preferably at 16 through 18 years of age, to provide short term protection against most strains of serogroup B meningococcal disease. This would be a decision between a healthcare provider and a patient. These policies may change as new information becomes available.
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What Are Meningitis And Meningococcal Disease
Meningitis is an inflammation of the linings around the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis can be caused by viruses or bacteria. Often, the symptoms of viral meningitis and bacterial meningitis are the same. Diagnosis of both viral and bacterial meningitis is confirmed by a lumbar puncture .
Viral meningitis is serious but rarely fatal in persons with normal immune systems. Usually, symptoms last 7-10 days and the person recovers completely. Many different viruses can cause meningitis. About 90% of cases of viral meningitis are caused by members of a group of viruses known as enteroviruses, such as coxsackieviruses and echoviruses. Herpes viruses and the mumps virus can also cause viral meningitis. There is no vaccination or treatment for viral meningitis .
Bacterial meningitis is of greater concern than viral meningitis, because it is associated with a significant risk of brain damage and death. Meningococcal meningitis, one type of bacterial meningitis, is of particular concern because while uncommon, it does affect college-age students and the disease may progress rapidly if untreated.
Meningitis B Is A Rare But Very Serious Disease
As the Mayo Clinic explains, meningitis is inflammation of the membrane that surrounds your brain and spinal cord . According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , meningitis B is caused by the bacteria N. meningitidis. Illnesses caused by this bacteria are referred to broadly as meningococcal diseases.
The B in meningitis B refers to a serogroupa subtypeof N. meningitidis. The CDC notes that the five other serogroups that most commonly cause meningococcal disease are A, C, W, X, and Y.
The CDC explains that N. meningitidis already lives in the mouths and throats of about 10 percent of the population without causing any problems. It can be spread through spit and saliva, but is less contagious than viruses like the common cold or flu. It takes close, prolonged contact, e.g., kissing someone who is a meningitis B carrier, or being in the same room with them for a prolonged period of time while theyre coughing. Outbreaks are rare, but when they do occur, its often among people in cramped living conditions, such as army barracks or college dorms.
These are the main symptoms, as defined by the CDC, but this disease can often present in a more nuanced wayyou can read more about meningitis B symptoms here:
- Fever
- Headache
- A stiff neck
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