Whether you are preparing to receive the annual flu shot or have already been vaccinated, it is important to know the risks associated with receiving a vaccine administered via needle injection. Here are some key facts about FluLaval, a flu vaccine that has been in use in the United States since 2006.
Is FluLaval a Trivalent or Quadrivalent Flu Vaccine?
FluLaval is a trivalent flu vaccine. This means that it is designed to protect against two types of A flu strains and one type of B strain. A quadrivalent form of the vaccine, which protects against an additional type B strain, received approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2013. It is called FluLaval Quadrivalent.
Is FluLaval Approved for Immunization of Adults and Children?
Yes. The FDA has approved FluLaval for administration to adults and children over six months of age. Adults and children nine years of age and older should receive a single 0.5 milliliter dose. Children under nine years of age should receive two doses at least four weeks apart if they have not previously been vaccinated. Young children with prior flu vaccinations may receive either one or two doses depending on their vaccination histories.
How Can I Tell If I (or My Child) was Vaccinated with FluLaval?
Several different brands of flu vaccines are used in the United States, and the only way to know which brand you or your child has received is to ask your doctor. Your (or your child’s) vaccination history should clearly identify the brand of vaccine used for each immunization.
Is FluLaval Made Using Egg Protein?
Yes. Unlike Flucelvax and Flublok, egg proteins are used in the manufacturing of FluLaval. Anyone who is allergic to eggs, or who has not been tested for an egg allergy, should consult their doctor prior to receiving a FluLaval flu shot.
What Other Risks Are Associated with FluLaval?
According to the FDA, risks associated with FluLaval include the risk of syncope (fainting), allergic reactions to ingredients of the vaccine, and Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS)—particularly among patients previously diagnosed with GBS. Adhesive capsulitis, brachial neuritis and other shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) are risks as well. It should be noted, however, that these risks are common among all flu vaccines and not specific to FluLaval.
Other common adverse reactions to flu vaccines that have been noted among adults and children immunized with FluLaval (according to FDA data) include:
- Pain (reported by approximately half of all FluLaval vaccine recipients)
- Redness and/or swelling
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Irritability
- Drowsiness
- Loss of appetite
What Should I Do After a Vaccine-Related Injury?
If you have experienced sharp or stabbing shoulder pain, frozen shoulder, reduced range of motion, or other negative side effects following a vaccination with FluLaval or any other brand of flu shot, it is important to seek prompt medical attention from a physician. These and other symptoms could be a sign of serious injury, and it may be advisable to file a vaccine lawsuit to recover compensation for your medical expenses and other losses.
Speak with a National Vaccine Attorney
If you would like more information about seeking financial compensation after being diagnosed with a vaccine-related shoulder injury, contact the Center for Vaccine Shoulder Pain Recovery. With offices in Washington D.C., we represent individuals and families nationwide. To get started with a free and confidential consultation, call us at (844) 789-2047 or request an appointment online today.