Gardasil Vaccine Injury Compensation, Precancerous Lesions, Precancerous Cells, Flare Ups, Time College Student
I want to share information with everyone regarding the filing of Vaccine Injury Compensation (VIC) claims. I realize that many of you have probably already initiated action, but, if not, you may want to consider doing so. I have posted a couple of times ... more »
I want to share information with everyone regarding the filing of Vaccine Injury Compensation (VIC) claims. I realize that many of you have probably already initiated action, but, if not, you may want to consider doing so.
I have posted a couple of times before regarding my daughter's reaction to Gardasil. Here's a brief summary: At age 19, she had 2 shots (Sep & Oct 2007). For 9 weeks in late 2007, she suffered severe GI problems, along with many other incapacitating symptoms, but no seizures. She recovered from the constant GI problems but has continued to experience occasional flare-ups. (Prior to the shots, she had NO history of such problems.) She also began to experience debilitating problems during menstruation, and in Oct 2008 her annual pap test showed precancerous cells, as did a follow-up pap test in Feb 2009. (In Sep 2007, she had a normal pap test.) Her next GYN appt is in May.
In light of her continuing problems and the alarming information in the Jun 2008 Judicial Watch Report regarding (1) the 44.6% increased chance of developing precancerous lesions if certain (undetectable) conditions existed prior to vaccination; (2) the fact that Merck does not know if the Gardasil vaccines are carcinogenic; (3) the fact that it is unknown if Gardasil will have long-term effects on fertility; (4) the fact that the final report on Gardasil's safety is not due until late 2009; and (5) etc., etc., etc., we have decided to file a VIC claim. She is still on our insurance bc she is 20 and a full-time college student, however, her future insurability once she becomes independent is a concern.
Information on filing claims is at www.hrsa.gov/vaccinecompensation. I called the Clerk of US Court of Federal Claims at 202-357-6400 and within minutes he e-mailed me a list of attorneys who specialize in VIC claims. I called a nearby attorney, and he returned my call in less than a day and provided very helpful information. Generally speaking, claims must be filed within 3 years after the first symptom of vaccine injury and injury must last more than 6 months, or claims must be filed within 2 years of vaccine-related deaths. (This is not intended to serve as governing guideline; please refer to the website for complete information.) So, in my daughter's case, the 3 years will be up in Oct 2010. The attorney advised that we need to get started now to collect all the medical records and allow at least 6-8 months for review and processing (after medical records are obtained). The up-front cost is minimal ($250 to file, but assistance is available in cases of financial hardship, some doctors/hospitals may charge for records reproduction, but that's about it, as it was explained to me.)
I know that many of you are still trying to get your daughters through their Gardasil ordeals and may not have a lot of time to devote to this, but I wanted to alert you to the time limitations. Unfortunately, none of us know what complications our daughters will experience in the future from Gardasil, so it's something we should all consider.
Good luck to everyone. I pray daily for the thousands of girls who have been injured by Gardasil.