The Cochran Firm Legal Blog

Almost 50 Needham, Massachusetts residents and firefighters were given a vaccine wrongly labeled as H1N1 vaccine. This means the firefighters, first responders, falsely believed they were immune to the virus. First responders, like firefighters, have a higher than average chance of coming into contact with those infected by the virus than most other people. Children, pregnant mothers, those with underlying health conditions, and the elderly are also being given preference. However, it is a virus that seems to sicken and strike down those in the prime of life, like most firefighters.

The people were apparently vaccinated against another strain of the seasonal flu, even though the label read that it was for H1N1. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned the health department in Massachusetts of the labeling confusion. When reports of the error were made public, many people were understandably worried. Among those who were given the vaccine was the Needham Fire Chief. He hopes none of those given the wrong vaccine came into contact with H1N1, thinking they were immune.

The vaccine the people received is reportedly harmless and will act as a booster to this year's seasonal flu shot. However, according to one doctor, this is the first time in 40 years that she has seen a mistake of this nature.

While you most likely know H1N1 is a serious type of flu, which can keep you down for at least a week, other types of flu can be just as serious. However, if you believed you were given an H1N1 shot and wound up sick, you may have a defective drug case.

Please contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at the Cochran Firm. We serve clients nationwide.