CAN A TETANUS SHOT CAUSE A SHOULDER INJURY?

One of the most commonly administered vaccines is the TDaP booster, which protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). Tetanus doesn’t spread from person to person but can enter your body through cuts or wounds. Diphtheria and pertussis are infections that spread from person to person. All three diseases can cause serious, life-threatening health conditions.

The CDC recommends adults should receive a Tetanus shot or Tdap booster shot every 10 years. Your doctor may also recommend that you be vaccinated again during pregnancy to protect the newborn from pertussis, if you get a deep cut, severe wound, or burn, or if you missed the initial TDaP series as a child.  While the booster is an important part of routine preventive healthcare, knowing what to expect post-vaccination is crucial as some individuals may experience adverse reactions. One lesser known but serious reaction or injury is a Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA). SIRVA occurs when a vaccine is improperly administered into shoulder and can lead to intense pain, reduced range of motion, and long-term shoulder dysfunction. Symptoms may appear within hours to days after vaccination and can persist for months or even years without proper treatment.

After you receive the TDaP vaccine or Tetanus shot, you may experience pain at the injection site. It’s normal to experience mild soreness or discomfort at the injection site after a TDaP booster or Tetanus shot. This soreness typically begins within a few hours of vaccination, peaks within 24-48 hours, and resolves within a few days without intervention.

In contrast, SIRVA symptoms are more severe and include sharp or persistent pain that worsens over time, limited range of motion in the shoulder or inability to fully stretch the arm, pain that interferes with daily activities or sleep, and symptoms lasting weeks, months, or longer.  These symptoms are thought to occur as a result of unintended injection of vaccine antigen or trauma from the needle into and around the underlying bursa of the shoulder resulting in an inflammatory reaction. SIRVA is caused by an injury to the musculoskeletal structures of the shoulder (e.g. tendons, ligaments, bursae, etc.). SIRVA is often the result of incorrect injection technique, placing the shot too high on the shoulder, or using the wrong size needle for the patient.

Injuries sustained from improper TDaP booster or Tetanus shot administration are covered under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). At Cinelli Adoff LLP, we specialize in vaccine injury cases, including SIRVA claims. We understand the challenges you may face and are committed to helping you receive the compensation you deserve. Our team will handle every aspect of your case, from gathering evidence to representing you in court if necessary.

If you suspect you or a loved one sustained a SIRVA injury from a TDaP booster or another vaccine, don’t wait. Contact us for a free consultation. Together, we can determine if you qualify for compensation under the VICP and help you take steps toward recovery.

 

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