Zostavax Vaccine Caused Tinnitus and Hearing Loss Side Effects, Lawsuit Claims
According to allegations raised in a recently filed product liability lawsuit, side effects of the shingles vaccine caused a Wisconsin woman to suffer hearing loss and tinnitus, indicating that the live-virus contained in the Zostavax injection was not sufficiently weakened, or “under-attenuated”.
The complaint (PDF) was filed earlier this month by Dorothy Saffold in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, indicating that Merck & Co. sold an unreasonably dangerous and defective vaccine, which may actually re-activate the dormant herpes zoster virus.
Zostavax was introduced in 2006, involving a single-dose injection that contains a live virus designed to vaccinate older adults against the development of shingles. However, the vaccine has been linked to a large number of reports involving severe complications, where individuals experienced more persistent shingles outbreaks, as well as other infections and auto-immune disorders, shortly after exposure to Zostavax.
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Side effects of the shingles vaccine Zostavax may result in the development of a painful and persistent strain of shingles
Learn More About this Lawsuit SEE IF YOU QUALIFY FOR COMPENSATIONThe lawsuit indicates Saffold was inoculated with Zostavax in June 2016 to prevent shingles. However, shortly after the injection, she began suffering hearing loss and a ringing in the ears, known as tinnitus. She was eventually diagnosed with idiopathic hearing loss of the right ear. The lawsuit blames the side effects of Zostavax for causing Saffold’s hearing problems after she received the shingles vaccine.
“As a direct and proximate result of Merck’s defective Zostavax vaccine, plaintiff’s symptoms have resulted in physical limitations not present prior to using Merck’s product,” Saffold’s lawsuit states. “As a result of the manufacture, marketing, advertising, promotion, distribution andlor sale of Zostavax, Plaintiff sustained severe and permanent personal injuries. further, as a tragic consequence of Merck’s wrongful conduct, Plaintiff suffered serious, progressive, permanent, and incurable injuries, as well as significant conscious pain and suffering, mental anguish, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, physical impairment and injury.”
The complaint joins hundreds of other Zostavax vaccine lawsuits filed by individuals nationwide who experienced problems, including more severe shingles outbreaks and auto-immune disorders.
Given similar questions of fact and law raised in the lawsuits over Zostavax, the federal litigation has been centralized before U.S. District Judge Harvey Bartle III in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, for coordinated discovery and pretrial proceedings as part of a federal MDL, or multi-district litigation.
As lawyers continue to investigate and file additional claims on behalf of people who have experienced problems from Zostavax, the size of the litigation is expected to continue to grow over the coming months and years.
If Merck fails to reach Zostavax settlements or another resolution for the claims following bellwether trials, each individual lawsuit may eventually be remanded back to different U.S. District courts nationwide for separate trial dates in the future.
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35 Comments
DebbieJanuary 28, 2023 at 6:53 pm
Within a few hours after receiving the Shingrix vaccine in my left arm, I began to experience pain in my left ear. The pain lasted for 4 - 5 days, then went away for a week. However, the pain returned with vengeance since it’s more painful and feels like being stabbed in the ear with an ice pick! The only relief is Advil. Also experiencing constant ringing in my ears. I went back to my doctor and [Show More]Within a few hours after receiving the Shingrix vaccine in my left arm, I began to experience pain in my left ear. The pain lasted for 4 - 5 days, then went away for a week. However, the pain returned with vengeance since it’s more painful and feels like being stabbed in the ear with an ice pick! The only relief is Advil. Also experiencing constant ringing in my ears. I went back to my doctor and was told that I had otitis and was prescribed Rx ear drops. Three days now, and not any better (yet). When asked by the doctor why I believed it was due to the vaccine, I explained that ear pain began within hours of the vaccine and I am rarely ill and for years haven’t had an ear ache except with Covid. I just want the pain to go away without having to take pain relievers and the ringing to stop! I do not plan to take the second vaccine. I’m afraid!
LanoraJuly 11, 2022 at 8:01 am
A few days after getting the first shot of the Shingles vaccine I start to have pain on the outside of my left ear. The pain is on and off but more on than not. It is excruciating and even heavy doses of ibuprofen barely helps. I know it came from the shot because I didn’t have that pain until then. I ended up getting the second shot and told my doctor about the pain but she just said “hum”. [Show More]A few days after getting the first shot of the Shingles vaccine I start to have pain on the outside of my left ear. The pain is on and off but more on than not. It is excruciating and even heavy doses of ibuprofen barely helps. I know it came from the shot because I didn’t have that pain until then. I ended up getting the second shot and told my doctor about the pain but she just said “hum”. I can’t live like this every day because it is debilitating. If anyone else has this please let me know.
TrishaMay 19, 2022 at 1:47 pm
I stumbled on this site after months of ringing in my years. At first I thought it was the onset of aging, so I went to an ear doctor. She said everything looked fine. So I asked where the ringing is coming from and she said it could be a medication I am using. I couldn't think of any changes made, so I went online and realized I had the shingles vaccine this year. Ugh! That is the only chan[Show More]I stumbled on this site after months of ringing in my years. At first I thought it was the onset of aging, so I went to an ear doctor. She said everything looked fine. So I asked where the ringing is coming from and she said it could be a medication I am using. I couldn't think of any changes made, so I went online and realized I had the shingles vaccine this year. Ugh! That is the only change that's been made. And here I am, no longer enjoying silence, but listening to a permanent white noise that only has been getting stronger as the weeks go by.
EddieMay 6, 2022 at 10:38 pm
My mom received the Shingritz vaccine on October 28, 2021 and lost hearing in her right ear completely afterwards. She is now dealing with hearing problems in her left ear from this vaccine. She’s warned everyone not to get the shingles vaccine for this reason, and yet they still keep pushing it on people. I hope and pray every single night for her as I do the rest of the folks on this page.
DebbieMarch 11, 2022 at 8:24 pm
On the advice of my primary care physician, I got the Shingrex vaccine. I got my first dose on 11/28/21. On 1/6/22 I went to the Urgent Care thinking I had an ear infection because my right ear had felt blocked for a few weeks. They told me they were pretty sure I had COVID and swabbed me. Results came back negative. Then my left ear became blocked as well and I developed ringing in both ears. [Show More]On the advice of my primary care physician, I got the Shingrex vaccine. I got my first dose on 11/28/21. On 1/6/22 I went to the Urgent Care thinking I had an ear infection because my right ear had felt blocked for a few weeks. They told me they were pretty sure I had COVID and swabbed me. Results came back negative. Then my left ear became blocked as well and I developed ringing in both ears. I went in to see my primary care physician. No infection, but they gave me a hearing test and told me I had hearing loss and referred me to an ENT. I saw an ENT and an audiologist on 2/1/22. I was diagnosed with hearing loss and tinnitus and was told it just comes with age (I am 67) and is permanent. Unfortunately, I just received my second dose of Shingrex today 3/11/22. I stumbled across this article about tinnitus lawsuits due to the vaccine today. Had I seen this article prior, I would not have gotten my second dose. Now I'm afraid the tinnitus and hearing loss will get worse. I've always supported vaccines, but now I'm not so sure. Shingles is painful, but goes away in about a few weeks. Tinnitus and hearing loss is permanent. I will now question any vaccine.
MaryJanuary 19, 2022 at 1:57 pm
I had a Shingrix vaccine in November of 2019 and developed severe ringing in my ears. I discussed this with my physician and she acted like she had never heard of such side effect, even though in the meantime I searched and found a lawsuit against the prior vaccine for tinnitus and many similar complaints with the Shingrix vaccine as well. I did not get the second booster as I did not want to ri[Show More]I had a Shingrix vaccine in November of 2019 and developed severe ringing in my ears. I discussed this with my physician and she acted like she had never heard of such side effect, even though in the meantime I searched and found a lawsuit against the prior vaccine for tinnitus and many similar complaints with the Shingrix vaccine as well. I did not get the second booster as I did not want to risk further problems or possible hearing loss. To this date, the ringing has not gone away. If I am not super tired when I go to bed, I have to listen to something in order to fall asleep. It is hard to be alone in the quiet due to the intensity of the ringing.
RomieJanuary 11, 2022 at 8:38 pm
I got the first dose and that night I woke up with horrible ringing in my ears . My hearing began to deteriorate almost immediately. I thought there was something wrong with my hearing aids so I went and had them check and had a hearing test and was told my hearing is 30-40 % worse then it was 5 months ago my tinnitus is twice as bad . Big mistake getting that shot.
SusieDecember 17, 2021 at 9:07 pm
I received the vaccine and do not have a problem at first! Received the second dose and my ears started ringing and it has not stopped! I was trying to figure out what happened and now I know! Guess I should have weight my options….:/
GeorgeDecember 5, 2021 at 9:29 pm
Lost my hearing after singles shot9
SomariNovember 11, 2021 at 5:23 am
On 10/23/21, I took my 2nd dose of the shingles vaccine. Almost immediately I share in the same symptoms everyone else is experiencing here, constant ear ringing, fullness in my ear, hearing loss. My God what did I do! Yes quality of life is definitely gone. I'm scheduling a doctors appointment and an attorney appointment!
LelaOctober 2, 2021 at 10:49 pm
I wish I had someone else head. Every since I received the shingle vaccine in August the ringing in my ear(24/7) is making me crazy. I use the white noise to fall to sleep at night. But I only get about 2 to 3 hours sleep.
MikeSeptember 30, 2021 at 3:37 am
The day after my 2nd shot my head exploded with a siren like sound and the 3rd day lost all hearing in my right ear regained some of the hearing the next day but the ringing in my ears has been a torment ever since
NonaSeptember 16, 2021 at 1:03 am
I too have suffered hearing loss in my left ear weeks after my vaccination. I also have the tinnitus and was told it and the hearing loss was a permanent condition that would probably get worse. I’ve never had any hearing problems before this. I’ve always been scared of vaccines and I’d give anything had I not gotten it. Lesson learned
TheresaSeptember 11, 2021 at 3:14 am
I received the Shingrix vaccine on 4/28/21. The typical (severe) side effects started within 4 hours and in less than 24 hours I experienced left-sided hearing loss and a strange, hollow-sounding, "bad cell phone connection" type of distortion to my hearing on the left side. I was seen by an ENT and an audiologist, who confirmed hearing loss. I received high-dose steroids with no improvement. [Show More]I received the Shingrix vaccine on 4/28/21. The typical (severe) side effects started within 4 hours and in less than 24 hours I experienced left-sided hearing loss and a strange, hollow-sounding, "bad cell phone connection" type of distortion to my hearing on the left side. I was seen by an ENT and an audiologist, who confirmed hearing loss. I received high-dose steroids with no improvement. Over 4 months later and there's no resolution. My quality of life has definitely changed -- and there's nothing to be done about it. I'm very pro-vaccine, but I 100% regret getting this vaccine.
MichelleJune 28, 2021 at 10:31 am
Had Zoster Vaccine in February, next day had severe swelling in arm, ears ringing and headache. Following weeks had chills and fatigue and intermittent hearing. Then woke up one morning with severe hearing loss. After visit to ENT and given oral steroids and a steroid ear injection I now have some hearing restored. Had MRI which didn’t show any problem.
MicheleMay 7, 2021 at 4:47 pm
I've been trying for months to figure out where this ear ringing (left ear) is coming from as I've never had tinnitus before. I realized the other day, the only thing I did last November when it started was get the Shingles shot. I'm not crazy; there's plenty of us with the same issue. Saw an ENT in January and he basically said to use OTC nasal spray for allergies. I don't really have signifi[Show More]I've been trying for months to figure out where this ear ringing (left ear) is coming from as I've never had tinnitus before. I realized the other day, the only thing I did last November when it started was get the Shingles shot. I'm not crazy; there's plenty of us with the same issue. Saw an ENT in January and he basically said to use OTC nasal spray for allergies. I don't really have significant allergies, but tried it anyway. Didn't work. No surprise, I'm confident now after seeing your posts that it was the Shingles vaccine.
GeorgeannApril 25, 2021 at 11:31 pm
On January 26, 2021 I got the second shot of the 2 part Shingles vaccine as recommended by my doctor. The very next morning I woke to total deafness. I was rushed to an ENT who pumped my ear with steroids...6 injections over the next couple weeks. I had some hearing return but now understand only a cochlear implant will help me hear again. I had no warning of this horrible side effect. I ha[Show More]On January 26, 2021 I got the second shot of the 2 part Shingles vaccine as recommended by my doctor. The very next morning I woke to total deafness. I was rushed to an ENT who pumped my ear with steroids...6 injections over the next couple weeks. I had some hearing return but now understand only a cochlear implant will help me hear again. I had no warning of this horrible side effect. I have now heard of others who had my same experience so I am warning everyone not to risk their hearing with this dangerous Shingles vaccine.
FátimaApril 17, 2021 at 12:18 pm
I was told by my doctor to take the shingles vaccine. She insisted. I specifically asked about side effects. She replied that the only one would a sore arm. I took the vaccine in august of 2020. A few days latter fullness in my ear and slight ringing. Four months latter , second dose and full onset of tinnitus and slight hearing loss. I was suicidal. Still have tinnitus and my quality of life is g[Show More]I was told by my doctor to take the shingles vaccine. She insisted. I specifically asked about side effects. She replied that the only one would a sore arm. I took the vaccine in august of 2020. A few days latter fullness in my ear and slight ringing. Four months latter , second dose and full onset of tinnitus and slight hearing loss. I was suicidal. Still have tinnitus and my quality of life is gone.
WaiApril 6, 2021 at 4:47 am
I received my first dose of Shingrix vaccine (Zoster Vaccine Recombinant Adjuvant) at the local pharmacy on April 1, 2021. Two days later, I can hear a significant increase of ringing noise in both ears. My Tinnitus has worsened with the vaccine. On April 4, I woke up with a slight headache and some unsteadiness with walking. I am still waiting to see if there are other complications that may take[Show More]I received my first dose of Shingrix vaccine (Zoster Vaccine Recombinant Adjuvant) at the local pharmacy on April 1, 2021. Two days later, I can hear a significant increase of ringing noise in both ears. My Tinnitus has worsened with the vaccine. On April 4, I woke up with a slight headache and some unsteadiness with walking. I am still waiting to see if there are other complications that may take place in coming weeks such as vertigo etc.
GailMarch 29, 2021 at 4:47 pm
I received the Shingrix vaccine 11-24-20. My ears started to ring 12-4-20. I've been to my primary care Dr. along with ENT specialist to no avail.
MaryMarch 3, 2021 at 12:07 am
I had my second dose of the Shingrex vaccine and the next 24 hours I felt tired, had a intense headache, low grade fever. Now two weeks later I’m having ringing in my ears and my hearing is getting worse.
MargiMarch 2, 2021 at 1:15 am
I developed tinirus after receiving the shingles vaccine a few years ago. I mentioned this to my healthcare providers and nothing has ever come of it
LeilaFebruary 23, 2021 at 12:48 am
I received my second dose of Shingrex and four days later started having continuous ringing in my ears. The ENT physician gave me a hearing test and said I have mild hearing loss which is likely causing the tinnitus. But it came on so suddenly soon after the vaccine. Now I'm told only hearing aids will help the tinnitus. I miss my silence and wish I had not gotten the vaccine.
TammyJanuary 15, 2021 at 5:30 pm
Shortly after receiving 1st Shingles shot, constant hissing in my left ear began. Went to ENT, had an MRI. Hearing loss with tinnitus. I shouldn't have gotten the shot.
JeanetteJanuary 13, 2021 at 3:02 pm
Received the second dose of the shingles vaccine in December 2020.I had the worst pain of my life in my left arm.l later developed ringing in my ears and headache which I continue to have.was seen by ENT and was told I have hearing loss in both ears and the ringing persist
PatriciaJanuary 1, 2021 at 6:46 pm
I received the 2nd dose of the newer Shingrix shingles vaccine on October 21, 2020 in the evening at a local pharmacy. The next morning at 9:30 am after shivering chills all night I noticed loud hissing in both ears. I called my doctor who had no clue. After an urgent care visit, then a doctor visit to my doctor and a visit to an ENT who who found moderate to severe hearing loss in both ears I co[Show More]I received the 2nd dose of the newer Shingrix shingles vaccine on October 21, 2020 in the evening at a local pharmacy. The next morning at 9:30 am after shivering chills all night I noticed loud hissing in both ears. I called my doctor who had no clue. After an urgent care visit, then a doctor visit to my doctor and a visit to an ENT who who found moderate to severe hearing loss in both ears I continue to have constant hissing, sleep issues, headaches and anxiety from all of this! I felt perfectly fine before I got this 2nd Shingrix vaccine! I never even thought about my ears or hearing prior to this..The side effects are horrible and they do not disclose them to you!
VickiDecember 30, 2020 at 5:28 pm
Shortly after receiving the shingrix vaccine, I suffered pain, headaches, hearing loss, and extreme tinnitus. After months of specialty doctor visits, prednisone regimens, an MRI, and unnecessary expense because nothing was found, my doctor concluded that it was most likely an autoimmune phenomenon related to the shingrix shot. He recommended that I NOT get the second shot. He said it may never re[Show More]Shortly after receiving the shingrix vaccine, I suffered pain, headaches, hearing loss, and extreme tinnitus. After months of specialty doctor visits, prednisone regimens, an MRI, and unnecessary expense because nothing was found, my doctor concluded that it was most likely an autoimmune phenomenon related to the shingrix shot. He recommended that I NOT get the second shot. He said it may never resolve itself. A year later, I continue to have extreme tinnitus and some hearing loss in my left ear. After the shot, I am also having migraine headaches.
DavidNovember 8, 2020 at 12:25 am
I received the shingrix vaccine and had three days of terrible muscle pain as well as pain in both ears. Ringing started on third day and at times keeps me from sleeping,never does completely stop.Doctor said probably nothing can be done .
MariaOctober 28, 2020 at 12:17 am
I am Constantly having ringing in my ears since I received the shingles vaccine
TabithaAugust 24, 2020 at 12:51 pm
I received the shingrix shingles shot and now have ringing in my ears. I had my hearing checked by my ENT, my hearing is fine but the ringing is constant.
AnnaMay 28, 2020 at 7:26 pm
My mother started getting really horrible ringing in her years after getting shingles vaccination. We are looking for solutions!
NorrisApril 22, 2020 at 7:02 pm
Small working at Memorial Hospital in the nurse I received the single shot walking around children who had chickenpox or measles soon after I received the shot my hearing started fading
YvonneApril 11, 2020 at 12:41 am
My situation sounds exactly like that of the woman who filed the lawsuit. Last year, my family doctor recommended the vaccine and I got it. After that I was dizzy and then I had moderate to severe hearing loss in my right ear and tinnitus. The hearing loss is almost certainly permanent. I am in the province of Ontario in Canada.
MarkMarch 2, 2020 at 2:04 pm
I received the shingles vaccine 7days ago and have since been suffering from headaches and very bad ringing in my ears immediately following the vaccination.
PaulaDecember 16, 2019 at 11:58 pm
I have experienced Tinnitus and hearing loss since receiving the Zostavax injection. It is literally making me crazy. My older sister has the same symptoms also after receiving the vaccine. Seems like a coincidence!!