RotaTeq and Possible Vaccine Complications
Rotavirus is a virus that causes diarrhea and other intestinal symptoms. It can also cause fever, abdominal pain, and vomiting. It is extremely contagious and the most common cause of diarrhea in infants and young children worldwide.
Before a vaccine was introduced into the United States, Rotavirus caused more than 200,000 emergency room visits each year, resulting in the death of at least 60 children annually younger than five. However, there are rare cases where the Rotavirus Vaccine can cause severe medical complications. If so, filing a claim in the National Vaccine Compensation Injury Program is a victim’s relief of costs and pain and suffering associated with such complications.
What Complications May Be Linked To Rotateq?
Clinical trials have shown that after the introduction of the vaccine, there was an almost 45% decrease in children under the age of 5 visiting the ER with Rotavirus. However, there are numerous studies, historical evidence, medical research, and court cases that suggests the Rotavirus vaccine may lead to certain complications. Although rare, the Rotavirus vaccine has been associated with medical emergency intussusception.
Intussusception
Intussusception is a condition in which a part of the intestine telescopes into itself. This action often blocks food and/or fluid from passing through. Intussusception also cuts off the blood supply to the part of the intestine that’s affected. This can lead to perforation, tear in the bowel, infection, and death of the bowel tissue. Sometimes requiring surgical intervention, intussusception is the most common intestinal obstruction in children younger than three years old.
About 1 out of 100,000 vaccinated children might develop intussusception within a week of getting vaccine. There are numerous studies and court cases that associate the Rotavirus vaccine and intussusception.
One court case stated that a minor child was taken to the ER less than a week after receiving the Rota vaccine. He then underwent three surgeries, in a span of several months, to treat his intussusception. For the next year and a half, the child was in and out of hospitals, suffering from complications of intussusception.
After providing enough evidence to the court, this victim was entitled to compensation of over $290,000 for pain, suffering, and medical bills.
If you or a loved one has been affected by complications potentially generated from RotaTeq, please contact the Greenwood Law Firm for a free consultation.
Sources
https://historyofvaccines.org/diseases/rotavirus
https://www.cdc.gov/rotavirus/clinical.html
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/intussusception/symptoms-causes/syc-20351452
https://www.cdc.gov/rotavirus/surveillance.html
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2602609/
Cases
https://ecf.cofc.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/show_public_doc?2014vv1112-86-0