Shingles Vaccine Lawsuit

The shingles vaccine Zostavax contains a live chickenpox virus. In rare cases, the vaccine triggers an outbreak of chickenpox or shingles. These infections can have devastating complications like pain, blindness, or even death.

What You Can Do & How We Can Help

The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting shingles vaccine induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was injured by side effects of Zostavax, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Vaccine Injury Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

Merck Hit With 1st Shingles Vaccine Lawsuit

A woman from Nevada filed a lawsuit over side effects of the Zostavax shingles vaccine on February 22, 2017. She developed serious complications within 24 hours of receiving the vaccine. The lawsuit (PDF) was filed in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas — In RE: Jorja Bentley vs. Merck & Co., et al. — Case No. 161004102

Overview

The only shingles vaccine on the market in the United States is Zostavax, a one-dose shot that contains a live virus. It is made by Merck & Co. and was approved by the FDA in 2006.

How Does it Work?

The shingles vaccine contains a “live attenuated virus.” This means the virus that causes shingles is still alive, but it has been weakened. When the virus is injected in a patient, it grows and causes a mild infection. The immune system fights the virus and develops immunity.

Is the Shingles Vaccine Safe?

Some people get a chickenpox-like rash after getting the shingles vaccine. Another severe side effect of Zostavax is shingles. Most people are surprised to learn that the shingles vaccine can cause the exact same disease it is supposed to prevent.

Can the Shingles Vaccine Cause Shingles?

Yes. Shingles and chickenpox are side effects of the shingles vaccine, Zostavax. The risk is low — much lower than the 33% risk of getting shingles if you had chickenpox as a child — but infections can be devastating or deadly, especially in older adults.

How Do I Get Shingles?

Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox — herpes zoster virus (HSV) — and most people are infected as children. The virus stays in the body forever. In about one-third of patients, it reactivates and causes shingles.

What is Shingles?

Shingles is an extremely painful rash with blisters that usually occurs on one side of the body. The rash usually clears up in a couple weeks, but it can leave permanent pain and other side effects. For example, shingles on the face can cause blindness or deafness.

Shingles and Chronic Pain

The most common complication of shingles is pain — also known as Post-Herpetic Neuralgia (PHN). The pain can persist for months or years after the rash clears up. About 20% of cases are excruciating, often described as “burning waves of pain” that interfere with daily life.

Side Effects of Shingles Vaccine

Chickenpox
Shingles
Rash
Hives at injection site
Fever
Joint and muscle pain
Nausea
Headache
Allergic reaction
Redness, itching, pain, swelling, hard lump, warmth or bruising where the shot was given

Do I have a Shingles Vaccine Lawsuit?

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