Increasing Awareness of “SIRVA” Injury

It still happens.  When we are contacted by someone who are experiencing shoulder problems after a flu shot, they often tell us that they had no idea the two could be connected.  They are surprised to learn that they are not alone, that there is even a term for it—SIRVA—recognized by the federal Department of Health and Human Services.  It stands for Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration, and can also be caused by other vaccinations, such as a tetanus shot.

Fortunately, awareness of SIRVA is growing, including local news broadcasts.  Some of these feature stories attribute the rise in SIRVA injuries to improper administration.  However, it is important to know that persons making claims for SIRVA to the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) are generally not required to prove the shot was administered incorrectly.  This is because if the shoulder pain starts within 48 hours of the shot, the VICP presumes it was caused by vaccination, regardless of how the shot was given.

You can contact us about SIRVA or another possible Vaccine Injury  by visiting our Contact page or using our Live Chat feature on any of our pages.  And you can learn more about the VICP and the firm's representation of persons with possible Vaccine Injury claims by visiting the Vaccine Injury page and other articles in our Blog. You can also email us directly at RMoeller@MooreHeffernanLaw.Com or NNobbe@MooreHeffernanLaw.Com.