An Oregon woman has filed a lawsuit against Merck, claiming that the company’s shingles vaccine Zostavax caused her to suffer a severe reaction.

Zostavax Vaccine Reaction Lawsuit

Plaintiff Katherine C. filed her lawsuit against New Jersey-based pharmaceutical company Merck & Co. Inc. on Sept. 20, 2019. Katherine claims that on or around Sept. 18, 2017 she received the Zostavax vaccination for the prevention of shingles. However, shortly after receiving the vaccination, Katherine claims that she began to suffer an extreme vaccine reaction.

According to Katherine, the vaccine caused her to develop a persistent rash on her neck, back, and upper arm. The rash consisted of blisters, and caused her to suffer from severe burning sensations. Additionally, Katherine claims that the rash has lead to physical limitations, severe and permanent personal injuries, and mental and emotional distress.

Katherine is seeking damages including medical expenses, lost wages, attorney’s fees, and punitive damages, as well as a jury trial.

Katherine is not the only person to have filed a lawsuit against Merck regarding Zostavax reactions. If you are a victim of Zostavax complications, you may be eligible to hire an attorney and file a class action lawsuit against the pharmaceutical company.

Background on Zostavax

Zostavax is vaccine meant for the prevention of shingles, a painful condition that often affects older adults. Zostavax has been approved by the FDA to be administered to people over the age of 60.

Shingles is caused by the varicella zoster virus (VZV), which also causes chicken pox. While shingles predominantly affects older adults, chicken pox is a common children’s affliction. Once someone contracts chickenpox, the virus does not leave their body. Instead, the virus remains inactive for years or decades.

When the virus reactivates and causes symptoms, this condition is known as shingles. Many factors can lead to the virus becoming reactivated, including disease, stress, aging, or immune system problems.

Shingles presents as a painful blister rash. Although the rash may occur on any part of the body, it generally appears as a long stripe across the torso. This rash may cause pain, burning, numbness, sensitivity, tingling, or itching. Shingles may also cause additional side effects, including headache, light sensitivity, fever, and fatigue.

Although the vaccines for shingles and chickenpox are almost the same vaccine, Zostavax contains a live version of the virus and is much stronger. The live VZV in the vaccine may be linked to an increased risk of vaccine reactions or severe side effects.

Zostavax vaccine reactions may include redness, pain, tenderness, itching, or swelling at the site of the vaccine injection. Many people who have experienced Zostavax reactions have also reported headaches, joint or muscle pain, and bruising.

If you have experienced adverse reactions following a Zostavax vaccination, you may be eligible to hire an attorney and pursue compensation for your medical expenses and injuries through a class action lawsuit.

Katherine’s Zostavax Reaction Lawsuit is Case No: 2:19-cv-04519-HB, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.