Vaccine Reaction Compensation Quiz
Autoimmune disorders are problems with your immune system, which normally fights off infections.
With an autoimmune disorder, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells and tissues, affecting the nerves, skin, blood vessels, internal organs and more. In rare cases, certain vaccines can cause autoimmune disorders.
While the connection between vaccines and certain autoimmune conditions remains unclear, the following list includes the conditions that may occur:
- Brachial neuritis. Brachial neuritis affects nerves that control muscles in the shoulders, arms and hands.
- Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). This rare disorder causes swelling of the nerve roots and destruction of their myelin sheaths.
- Encephalitis. This is an inflammation of the brain.
- Encephalopathy. This refers to a number of different conditions that affect the structure or function of the brain.
- Guillain-Barré syndrome. This disorder causes the immune system to attack the peripheral nerves that go from the spinal cord to the arms, hands, legs and feet.
- Immune thrombocytopenia purpura (ITP). ITP, usually happens when the immune system mistakenly attacks blood platelets, causing bleeding.
- Rheumatoid arthritis. This form of arthritis causes pain, swelling, stiffness and loss of function in the joints.
- Transverse myelitis. This condition causes the entire width of the spinal cord to become inflamed, resulting in weakness and numbness.
What Vaccines Are Known to Cause Autoimmune Disorders?
A number of vaccines can cause autoimmune disorders. The most common are:- Influenza (Flu)
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
- Meningococcal (MPSV4, MCV4)
- Varicella/Chickenpox (VAR)
Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) and Vaccines
Guillain-Barré syndrome, or GBS, and also known as Acute Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy, is a rare disorder of the peripheral nerves that has been associated with certain vaccines.
GBS happens when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the protective myelin sheath that covers the nerves serving the arms, hands, legs and feet. Eventually, this can lead to:
- Abnormally high or low blood pressure
- Difficulty breathing
- Difficulty walking
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Loss of facial muscle control
If you have any of these symptoms after a vaccination, see a doctor right away.
Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CDIP) and Vaccines
This rare autoimmune disorder damages myelin, which is the protective covering of the peripheral nerves. The peripheral nerves connect the spinal cord to the arms, hands, legs and feet.
CDIP can start with tingling or numbness in the toes and fingers and progress to the arms and legs. Other symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Loss of reflexes
- Sensory loss
- Uncoordinated movements
- Weakness
These symptoms often come on gradually, and eventually people with CDIP can have problems with breathing, slurred speech and difficulty walking.
If you or a loved one has symptoms of CDIP after a vaccine, see your doctor.
How We Can Help With Your Autoimmune Disorder Claim
Autoimmune disorders related to vaccines can be life changing, and you might be eligible for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP).
The vaccine injury attorneys at Sands Anderson have extensive experience helping clients get compensation. And since one of our attorneys is also a physician, we can also advise you on getting the medical help you need.
When you use Sands Anderson attorneys for your VICP claim, you’ll get personalized attention every step of the way—at no cost to you. We genuinely care about you and your family, and our record demonstrates our success.
are you eligible to file a claim?