Meningitis is a “bacterial infection that involves inflammation of the meninges of the brain and can lead to a serious blood infection.”2 After being introduced in the 1970s, meningococcal vaccines, which protect against meningitis, have saved hundreds of lives each year in the U.S. In fact, “invasive meningococcal incidence has decreased by more than 60% between 1998 and 2007.”2
Today, there are “between 1,400 and 3,000 cases reported in the U.S. annually, which is a historic low.”2 Ten to fifteen percent of meningococcal cases are fatal, with another 10 to 20 percent resulting in brain damage or loss of limbs.2
Therefore, meningococcal vaccines are very important in inoculating children and young adults against the six different versions of the Neisseria meningitidis bacteria.1 However, in some cases, people who experience mild to severe reactions after being vaccinated. According to the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP), there have been 47 claims filed for injuries and deaths following meningococcal vaccination as of September 1, 2015, including 2 deaths and 45 serious injuries.2
Mild Symptoms Linked to Meningococcal Vaccines
These common symptoms appear after a meningococcal vaccination and usually go away within two weeks. They also rarely require hospitalization.
- Irritability and crying in young children
- Fever
- Drowsiness
- Injection site pain and swelling
- Sudden loss of consciousness (syncope)
- Diarrhea
- Headache2
Moderate and Severe Injuries Linked to Meningococcal Vaccines
These reactions caused by meningococcal vaccines are moderate and severe, lasting more than two weeks and/or requiring hospitalization.
- Joint pain2
- Guillian Barré Syndrome2
- Brain inflammation2
- Convulsions2
- Facial palsy2
- Allergic reaction
- Death
Injured by a Vaccine? We Can Help You File with the VICP
Since 1988, the national Vaccine Injury Compensation Program has been providing compensation for victims of vaccine injuries. If a vaccine has seriously injured you or someone you love, our experienced attorneys can help you file a petition with the VICP to get the compensation you deserve. Please call us at (312) 578-9501 or toll-free at (886) 881-9980. You can fill out our online contact form, too. A free, no-obligation consultation is also available.
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