Joanna Szabo  |  July 6, 2019

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Zostavax Basics

Zostavax is a common shingles vaccine manufactured by pharmaceutical giant Merck & Co. It was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) back in May 2006, and is approved for patients 50 and older to immunize against shingles, though the CDC recommends use after age 60.

Even those who have already had shingles can still get the shingles vaccine in order to help prevent any future versions of the disease.

Side Effects of Zostavax

Unfortunately, the use of Zostavax has been associated with a number of complications, ranging in severity. Any medication can cause problems, and vaccines are no exception. Mild side effects of Zostavax include redness, soreness, swelling, or itching.

This will occur at the injection site, and about 1 in 3 people who receive the Zostavax vaccine will experience these kinds of problems. Approximately 1 in 70 people will experience a headache associated with Zostavax, the CDC notes.

Some patients claim that there are even more side effects linked with Zostavax than the manufacturers actually warned about, including the development of the very disease it’s meant to prevent: shingles. Some of the other possible side effects include:

  • Hearing loss
  • Necrotizing Retinitis
  • Neurological disorders
  • Ramsay Hunt
  • Retinal Uveitis leading to vision loss or blindness diagnosed by a doctor
  • Vision loss/ blindness documented by a doctor
  • Paralysis
  • Death

After inoculation with Zostavax, complications may not appear immediately. Indeed, these problems may not surface for up to about six months after treatment with the shingles vaccine.

Zostavax Lawsuits

The first Zostavax lawsuit was filed about two and a half years ago and has since been joined by several others in both federal and state courts. These lawsuits allege that the vaccine actually causes serious adverse side effects that were not adequately warned about.

The first of these lawsuits was filed in a Philadelphia court in February 2017. The plaintiff alleges that she suffered from a number of side effects after using Zostavax, including headaches, dizziness, and blurred vision.

Filing a Zostavax Lawsuit

A growing number of patients are coming forward and even turning to litigation after suffering from Zostavax side effects like shingles, hearing loss, neurological disorders, and more.

If you or someone you love has suffered from shingles vaccine side effects, you may be able to file a lawsuit and pursue compensation. Of course, filing a lawsuit cannot take away the pain and suffering caused by these complications, but it can at least help to alleviate the financial burden incurred by medical expenses, lost wages, and more.

It can be intimidating to file a lawsuit, especially while dealing with medical complications, so Top Class Actions has laid the groundwork for you by connecting you with a Zostavax attorney. Consulting an attorney can help you determine if you have a claim, navigate the complexities of litigation, and maximize your potential compensation.

One thought on What is Zostavax?

  1. Charlene Alfaro says:

    I was just looking over my medical history. I have been recently researching immunizations and their side effects. Has anyone ever connected Zostavax with breast cancer? I received the “Shingles Shot” the same month I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Could there be a connection. I have learned that there are poisons being put into the vaccinations for nefarious purposes.
    Thank you for your consideration in this matter.

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