POLIO VACCINE INJURY ATTORNEY

Polio vaccines, including OPV (Oral Polio Vaccine) and IPV (Inactivated Polio Vaccine) are meant to protect us. However, like all vaccinations, there is a chance of complications and side effects. It is crucial to get in touch with a doctor and a vaccine injury attorney if you or your child experience an adverse reaction to a polio vaccine.

At DuPont and Blumenstiel, our vaccine injury attorneys in Dublin, Ohio work tirelessly to pursue justice on behalf of our clients and their families. We represent vaccine injury clients throughout the United States.

The NVICP has created a table which lists the criteria one must meet for the injury or adverse reaction to be considered a “Table Injury”. One group of vaccines which are presumed to have caused certain injuries or adverse reactions are vaccines containing the polio live virus. We will discuss the injuries and adverse reactions which these vaccines have caused, and we will review the requirements one must meet for an injury or adverse reaction to be considered a “Table Injury” under the NVICP.

Polio Vaccines and the Vaccine Injury Table

There are two vaccines on the Vaccine Injury Table that contain the measles virus.

1. OPV, often called the oral poliovirus vaccine, is a live, weakened, vaccine. It is administered orally. This vaccine is no longer licensed or available in the United States.  However, it is still used in many other countries around the world.

2. IPV, known as the inactivated poliovirus vaccine, contains a killed version of the virus. It is given as an injection.

Under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (NVCIP), certain injuries/adverse reactions are presumed to have been caused by a specific vaccine if the first onset of symptoms occurs within a specified timeframe. When an injury or adverse reaction qualifies for the presumption, it is considered a “Table Injury”.

The importance of qualifying as a “Table Injury” is that the Court will award you compensation for your injury unless the opposing counsel is able to demonstrate that something other than the vaccine actually caused your injury or adverse reaction. Unfortunately, only some injuries are considered a “Table Injury” and afforded an important presumption that the vaccine caused the injury or adverse reaction.

Want to learn more about the NVICP? Download our Consumer's Guide to Vaccine-Related Injuries here.

Paralytic Polio Caused by OPV Vaccine

Paralytic Polio is a disabling and life-threatening disease caused by the poliovirus.

Symptoms include:

• Loss of reflexes

• Severe muscle weakness and pain

• Floppy and loose limbs

• Paralysis

If you or your child experienced any of these symptoms after receiving the OPV vaccine, an adverse reaction may have occurred.

There are three different circumstances in which the presumption of causation applies when someone suffers Paralytic Polio after receiving a vaccine containing the polio live virus.

First, for non-immunodeficient individuals who experience Paralytic Polio after receiving a vaccine containing the polio live virus, the presumption of causation applies if the first onset of symptoms occurs within 30 days of vaccination. Second, for immunodeficient recipients, the presumption applies if the first onset of symptoms occurs within 6 months of the vaccination. Third, for vaccine associated community cases, there is no set timeframe for when the first onset of symptoms must occur for the presumption to apply.  

If you are worried about qualifying for compensation, we can help. Give us a call at 614-389-9711 for a free case evaluation.

Vaccine-Strain Polio Viral Infection Caused By OPV Vaccine

Vaccine-Strain Polio Viral Infection is an infection resulting from the weakened live poliovirus contained in oral polio vaccine (OPV). If allowed to circulate in under- or unimmunized populations for long enough, or replicate in an immunodeficient individual, the weakened virus can revert to a form that causes illness and paralysis.

Symptoms include:

• Loss of reflexes

• Severe muscle weakness and pain

• Floppy and loose limbs

• Paralysis

There are three different circumstances in which the presumption of causation applies when someone suffers Vaccine-Strain Polio Viral Infection after receiving a vaccine containing the polio live virus.

First, for non-immunodeficient individuals who experience Vaccine-Strain Polio Viral Infection after receiving a vaccine containing the polio live virus, the presumption of causation applies if the first onset of symptoms occurs within 30 days of vaccination. Second, for immunodeficient recipients, the presumption applies if the first onset of symptoms occurs within 6 months of the vaccination. Third, for vaccine associated community cases, there is no set timeframe for when the first onset of symptoms must occur for the presumption to apply.

Anaphylaxis Caused by IPV Vaccine

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can be fatal if not treated quickly. It occurs within minutes, or seconds, after being exposed to an allergen, like peanuts, bee stings, and/or certain vaccines. The immune system releases an abundance of chemicals as a result of anaphylaxis, which can result in shock, a sharp drop in blood pressure, and narrowing of the airway. A skin rash, a quick, weak pulse, nausea, and vomiting are all warning signs and symptoms. Anaphylaxis requires immediate medical attention. If it isn’t treated promptly, it can be fatal.

On the vaccine injury table, the presumption of causation applies if the first onset of symptoms occurs within 4 hours after vaccination.

Shoulder Injury (SIRVA) After IPV Vaccine

SIRVA stands for Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration. It is a medical and legal term used to describe shoulder injuries under the National Vaccine Compensation Program (NVICP). SIRVA often occurs when a vaccine is administered improperly by a nurse or doctor. It is perhaps the most common vaccine adverse reaction.

SIRVA symptoms are similar to that of other shoulder injuries. The main symptoms include persistent shoulder pain and decreased range of motion. In severe cases, SIRVA can impact a person’s ability to complete daily tasks.

On the vaccine injury table, the presumption of causation applies if the first onset of symptoms occurs within 48 hours after vaccination.

Vasovagal Syncope Caused by IPV Vaccine

Vasovagal syncope is characterized by a sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure leading to fainting, often in reaction to a stressful trigger. Symptoms include paleness, nausea, sweating, a rapid heartbeat, and fainting.

Fainting can often lead to other injuries, many of which the NVICP will pay out compensation for.

On the vaccine injury table, the presumption of causation applies if the first onset of symptoms occurs within 1 hour after vaccination.

Hiring a Vaccine Injury Attorney

If you suffered one of the above injuries or adverse reactions after receiving a vaccine containing the polio virus and your symptoms began within the specified timeframe, you likely qualify as having suffered a “Table Injury” and are entitled to financial compensation for your injuries and damages.

At DuPont and Blumenstiel, LLC, we have a team of attorneys, nurses, and experienced staff members ready to pursue your Vaccine Act claim and obtain financial compensation on your behalf. For additional information regarding your rights, please contact us 614-389-9711. Don’t wait, there are deadlines to file your claim.