Tetanus is a potentially fatal disease caused by a bacterial toxin that affects the muscles and nerves. It is usually contracted through a deep wound, and while it can be prevented with a vaccine, it can still cause serious injury in some cases. A tetanus vaccine (Tdap or Td) is a safe and effective way to prevent the disease, but it can lead to a rare complication known as shoulder injury after a tetanus vaccine (SIRVA).
SIRVA is a type of shoulder injury caused by an auto-immune reaction to the vaccine. The body mistakenly identifies the tetanus toxoid in the vaccine as a foreign invader, triggering an inflammatory response. This reaction can cause severe pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion in the shoulder joint, as well as other associated symptoms.
In most cases, SIRVA is mild and resolves on its own without treatment. However, in some cases, the pain and stiffness can be severe and chronic, and may require medical treatment. Treatment options vary, but can include physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, steroid injections, and even surgery.
The good news is that SIRVA is a very rare complication of the tetanus vaccine. The risk of SIRVA is estimated to be about 1 in a million doses of the vaccine. It is also important to remember that the risk of serious injury from the disease itself is much greater than the risk of SIRVA from the vaccine.
If you or a loved one has experienced shoulder pain or stiffness after receiving a tetanus vaccine, it is important to speak to a doctor immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to reduce the risk of long-term complications.
### Have you had an adverse reaction, like SIRVA, after a tetanus vaccine? You may qualify for compensation
If you have experienced an adverse reaction, like SIRVA, after a tetanus vaccine, our licensed vaccine injury attorney David Carney can review your case for free and see if your injury qualifies for compensation. [Request a callback by filling in a few details about your case](https://www.greenlegalteam.com/contact-us/) and our vaccine injury team will reach out to you to discuss your case.
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