Lawsuit Information Center
As I have been saying, the Zostavax vaccine lawsuits are jumping with energy right now. Lawyers want these cases which is why you see television commercials and Facebook and Google ads (and, yes, legal blog posts) from attorneys hustling to sign up victims.
These Zostavax lawsuits allege that the plaintiffs experienced severe complications, most notably shingles, from being administered it. Another lawsuit has recently been filed in the Pennsylvania courts, that allege even more side effects other than shingles or Bell’s palsy.
Georgia woman gets bronchitis from Zostavax
Filed in the U.S. District for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, a Georgia woman was injected with Zostavax around December 2016. Shortly after, she developed acute bronchitis, sudden hearing loss in her left ear, and a skin rash. The lawsuit alleges that the plaintiff experienced mental and emotional distress as a result of Zostavax’s side effects. It also alleges that the plaintiff suffered serious injuries that are permanent and incurable.
The lawsuit also alleges that Merck acted negligently in reasonably designing, researching, and manufacturing Zostavax. It claims that the live virus used in Zostavax was not weakened enough to prevent it from being reactivated. Instead, the live virus might combine with the old virus found in some people. This may result in a potent strain of the shingles. It can also lead to other complications, such as the ones referenced in this specific lawsuit. This recent lawsuit highlights the need for more understanding of how to prevent Zostavax’s more severe side effects from happening.
Zostavax
Zostavax is a vaccine that is intended to prevent you from getting herpes zoster, more commonly known as the shingles. It is a weakened live version of the virus, which helps train the immune system to fight it off. Zostavax is recommended for individuals over 50. The pharmaceutical company Merck & Company develops and manufactures it. Zostavax was FDA approved in 2006. It is a stronger version of Merck’s other chickenpox vaccine, Varivax.
Zostavax’s side effects
Zostavax’s side effects include redness, soreness, or swelling around the place of administration. You may receive a rash similar to chickenpox. Some individuals may also experience headaches.
Some people may also experience allergic reactions from Zostavax. Allergic reactions include hives, face or throat swelling, difficulty breathing, increased heart rate, dizziness, and fatigue. Reactions can happen between a few minutes to a few hours upon administration. If you have any allergic reactions to Zostavax, contact your medical professional and consider alternatives such as Shingrix.
Centralization in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
Around August 2018, Merck moved to centralize lawsuits filed against them pertaining to Zostavax in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. The Multidistrict Litigation panel felt that the Zostavax-related lawsuits filed against Merck had common questions of fact. They also felt that centralization would be convenient for both parties.
The panel concluded that the Eastern District of Pennsylvania is an appropriate district to centralize Zostavax-related lawsuits. They chose it because seven pending lawsuits have been filed there. These lawsuits were also the earliest filed ones. Merck facilities that developed and manufactured Zostavax were located in Pennsylvania as well.
Lawsuits filed in other states
Lawsuits have been filed in New Jersey and Wisconsin against Merck, both of which allege that the plaintiffs received after being administered with Zostavax. The New Jersey-based lawsuit was filed in July 2017, while the Wisconsin one was filed almost a year later around May 2018. Both lawsuits allege that Merck failed to properly find the balance between a virus too weak to help someone develop immunities and a virus too strong to prevent the very disease the vaccine was made for.
Around October 2018, a lawsuit was filed against Merck in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico. However, unlike the New Jersey and Wisconsin lawsuits, this lawsuit does not allege that the plaintiff received the shingles from taking Zostavax. Instead, the plaintiff, in this case, alleges that they received Bell’s palsy, which causes facial paralysis. The person received the Zostavax injection around October 2015 at a Wal-Mart. Shortly after taking the administered.
Shingrix as an alternative
Shingrix is a great alternative for those experiencing adverse effects from Zostavax. Unlike Zostavax, Shinrgrix comprises dead viruses. This makes it safer for individuals with weaker immune systems. It is also more effective than Zostavax for people over 70.
However, Shingrix continues to have side effects. They include soreness, redness, swelling, muscle pain, headaches, stomachaches, or nausea. One can also get allergic reactions. Nonetheless, Shingrix’s side effects are less severe than Zostavax’s. What should you do? The answer is never ask a lawyer. Talk to your doctor about what is the best path for you given all the variables at play. This is an important point to underscore. Few people are arguing for a Zostavax recall. Instead, they are asking for a warning so that patients and doctors can make the best choice.
Getting a Zostavax Lawyer
If you or someone you care for has been harmed from Merck’s Zostavax vaccine, please the Law Offices of Miller & Zois today by calling 800-553-8082 or get a FREE online case evaluation.