SIRVA stands for Shoulder Injuries Related to Vaccine Administration and is not a specific injury, but a category of injuries that can occur due to the improper administration of a vaccine. SIRVA is typically categorized by an injury to the nerves or musculoskeletal structures of the shoulder such as muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bursa. The symptoms of SIRVA usually begin with pain at the injection site and petitioners may also experience limited range of motion, tingling or loss of feeling and weakness in the affected arm. These symptoms can last for several months or even longer. SIRVA is usually not caused by a reaction to the vaccine itself, but by trauma from the needle as the vaccine is administered. When the shoulder is punctured by the needle, the tendons, muscles and ligaments can be injured or become aggravated, leading to inflammatory reactions or causing other types of injuries. Common causes of SIRVA include incorrect needle size or improper angle and/or position of the needle in administering the vaccine. The flu shot is one of the most common vaccines that cause SIRVA injuries.
The following is a list of symptoms or injuries that are typically covered in a SIRVA claim:
- Arm Pain
- Shoulder Pain
- Shoulder Dysfunction
- Limited Range of Motion
- Tingling or Loss of Feeling
- Weakness
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Shoulder Bursitis
- Tendonitis
- Rotator Cuff Injury
- Brachial Neuritis
- Frozen Shoulder
- Adhesive Capsulitis
- Nerve Injury
If you or a loved one started experiencing shoulder symptoms or injuries after receiving a vaccine, please contact our Vaccine Injury Attorneys. Our firm is experienced in litigating vaccine injury claims on behalf of those suffering shoulder injuries.