Vaccine against shingles Zostavax

Zostavax Vaccine Lawsuit Filed in New Jersey

A group of 18 people who developed shingles from the shingles vaccine Zostavax have filed a lawsuit (PDF) against Merck & Co. for failing to warn about the risk of chronic pain and other severe complications.

Zostavax is a shingles vaccine for adults that contains live herpes zoster (shingles) viruses. The viruses are attenuated, meaning they have been “weakened,” but it can still potentially cause infections.

Zostavax has been sold since 2006, but it was not until August 2014 that Merck added “shingles” and “chickenpox” to the list of side effects. Zostavax is not recommended for people who are sick because deaths have been reported as a result of severe infections. Over 1,100 injuries and 36 deaths were reported by September 2015.

The lead plaintiff, Tammy Anderson, is a woman from Louisiana who was immunized with Zostavax at a Walgreens Pharmacy in New Orleans in October 2012. Zostavax did not prevent shingles, but instead caused her to contract a persistent strain of herpes zoster.

All of the plaintiffs suffered similar injuries, including “onset of a blistering vesicular rash accompanied by weakened immune system,” which was diagnosed as herpes zoster (shingles).

Several plaintiffs were prescribed medications like Oxycodone, Valtrex, Neurontin, Lipoderm, Acyclovir, Gabapentin, or Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen (Vicodin) for the management of painful symptoms.

At least three plaintiffs were diagnosed with Post-Herpetic Neuralgia (PHN), a chronic condition of residual nerve damage and pain secondary to shingles. Another plaintiff suffered ongoing and worsening symptoms, accompanied by scarring and residual pain.

The lawsuit was filed on July 11, 2017 in the Superior Court of New Jersey (Middlesex County) — In RE: Tammy Anderson, et al. v. Merck & Co. Inc., et al.Case No. MID-L-004177-17.

Source: Consumers Say Merck’s Shingles Vaccine Poses Health Risks

Vaccine Side Effects & Injury Lawyers

Verified 100% Secure Site

If you or a loved one has been the victim of a vaccine side effect, you should contact a vaccine lawyer with experience in this type of complex litigation.

We have recently partnered with Schmidt & Clark, LLP; a Nationally recognized law firm who handles vaccine lawsuits in all 50 states.

The lawyers at the firm offer a Free Confidential Case Evaluation and may be able to obtain financial compensation for you or a loved one by filing a vaccine lawsuit or claim with The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. Contact Schmidt & Clark today by using the form below or by calling them directly at (866) 223-3784.

Previous Article
Next Article

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *