Is SIRVA permanent? Does it go away?

SIRVA (Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration) is a condition caused by improper injection technique when administering a vaccine. It causes pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion in the shoulder. For those suffering from SIRVA, it can be debilitating and cause significant discomfort. So, does this condition go away? Let's take a look at the facts.

What is SIRVA?

SIRVA is an acronym that stands for Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration. It is an injury to the shoulder and surrounding soft tissue caused by incorrect administration of vaccine injection. Though rare, SIRVA can lead to tenderness, inflammation, loss of range of motion, and, in some cases, chronic pain in the shoulder area.

How do you get SIRVA?

SIRVA develops when the shot is given directly to the shoulder capsule instead of being injected into the deltoid muscle. This can lead to serious complications, such as injection in the bursa sac, which would cause pain and absence of mobility due to inflammation.

What are the symptoms of SIRVA?

SIRVA is usually accompanied by shoulder and arm pain and the sensation of a lack of range of motion. You may also experience weakness, tenderness, or swelling; more extreme circumstances can lead to almost complete loss of use for your shoulder joint.

How long does it take for SIRVA symptoms to appear?

Expect to experience pain and other symptoms in your shoulder shortly after getting the vaccination injection - it could be almost immediately or within 48 hours. In rare cases, these SIRVA signs may take up to a week before presenting.

How long does SIRVA last?

The length of time that SIRVA lasts varies from person to person, depending on the severity of the injury and the individual's response to treatment. With proper care, most individuals can expect symptoms of SIRVA to improve in weeks.

However, some people may experience chronic pain and stiffness that can last for months or even years. Generally speaking, seeking medical attention as soon as possible is recommended to determine an appropriate course of action for recovery.

Can SIRVA go away on its own?

Unfortunately, in most cases, SIRVA does not go away independently. The best action is to seek medical attention as soon as possible to determine appropriate treatment and manage your symptoms. Without proper diagnosis and treatment, you may experience pain and other symptoms associated with the condition.

What vaccines may involve SIRVA?

Receiving a vaccine on the shoulder carries an inherent risk of SIRVA due to potential improper technique, particularly when administering flu shots. Since these vaccinations are so frequent, those who give them may need to be adequately trained. Tetanus shots also have this same risk associated with them.

What are the SIRVA injuries that are included on the Vaccine Injury Table?

Typically, the signs and symptoms of a reaction to a vaccine start to appear within 48 hours after the vaccination and may include any of the following: 

• Bursitis - your join is achy or stiff
• Tendonitis - pain in the tendon that gets worse when you move
• Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder) - stiffness and pain in the shoulder that prevents you from moving your arm
• Rotator Cuff Injury - dull ache deep in the shoulder
• Ulnar Neuropathy - arm numbness or burning feeling in the hand, arm or finger

Can SIRVA be treated?

Rehabilitative physical therapy can often lessen or completely alleviate SIRVA symptoms. To tackle milder cases, patients may use analgesics and anti-inflammatories. Steroidal injections could be administered to help them regain a portion of their shoulder range of motion. Sometimes the most effective approach is combining multiple treatment methods for optimal outcomes.

How do I file a SIRVA claim?

Unlike the requirements for a lengthy lawsuit against vaccine manufacturers, filing a SIRVA claim is relatively straightforward. However, seeking out and abiding by specific rules remains essential; getting help from an experienced vaccine injury lawyer comes in handy. Once you submit your claim with all pertinent documents detailing your injury to their office, they will begin amassing evidence & processing paperwork.

How to hire a SIRVA lawyer?

When seeking legal assistance with a vaccine injury claim, you should look for an attorney with specialized expertise in this area. Vaccine cases are drastically different from other pharmaceutical injury claims and have guidelines that must be followed. So it is essential to find counsel who has experience handling such matters. Ensuring your lawyer is well-versed in vaccine compensation claims will make the process simpler and much more straightforward.

Are you or a loved one suffering from shoulder pain due to receiving a vaccine? Allow My Vaccine Lawyer to guide you through your case. Our experienced attorneys are the premier leaders in litigating SIRVA cases and are ready to discuss your situation with complimentary consultations. Reach out today for expert legal counsel!