Vaccinations: The History and the Dangers

 Posted on August 22, 2014 in Food Poisoning

The History of Vaccine Awareness

Vaccines are considered great defenses in helping prevent the spread of serious diseases. In 1986, the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act was introduced. In addition to raising awareness of the potential vaccination dangers in children, the Act also created the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). The program, established in 1988, was to help ensure an adequate supply of vaccines, to guarantee that the costs of vaccines were stabilized, and to “establish and maintain an accessible and efficient forum for individuals found to be injured by certain vaccines.”

The VICP program is an alternative to the traditional personal injury system of reporting faulty or dangerous vaccinations. The U.S. Court of Federal Claims determines who will be awarded VICP funds. Because of its status as a federal agency, of course, there is often quite a bit of red tape that a person must go through in order to be awarded these funds. Oftentimes, it can be easier to get the compensation you deserve if you work with a private defective medical device attorney.

The 21st Century Plan

The U.S. National Vaccine Plan is a 21st Century roadmap for the types of vaccinations important for immunizing children. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services , it “includes strategies for advancing vaccine research and development, financing, supply, distribution, safety, global cooperation, and informed decision-making among consumers and healthcare providers.” The plan was intended to be implemented over the course of five years, between 2010 and 2015, and aims to reduce, eliminate, or maintain elimination of vaccine-preventable diseases such as rubella, hepatitis, measles, mumps and pertussis by 2020.

Common Vaccine Side Effects & Associated Risks

There are several side effects associated with vaccinations, some of which affect people more than others. The most common side effects are mild. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), common vaccine side effects include redness or swelling at the injection site. Some people experience a severe allergic reaction to vaccinations, however, and all children should be closely monitored after receiving an injection. “If you see something that concerns you,” reports the CDC, “call your child's doctor.”

While risks associated with vaccines can be serious, not vaccinating a child can also be dangerous. If a parent or guardian decides to not vaccinate a child, he or she can still carry infectious disease and pass them on, which can cause serious danger to others. For example, as noted by the CDC, Hib meningitis is one of these diseases.

Contact an Illinois Defective Drug Attorney

As previously noted, vaccines can help to prevent the spread of serious diseases. However, they can also cause several side effects. If you or someone you love has experienced serious illness or side effects caused by a vaccine and were not aptly prepared by a medical professional for the associated risks, you may be entitled to compensation. Do not go through it alone. Contact an Arlington Heights defective drug attorney today.