Allison Villafane v. HHS - Tdap, shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (2016)

Allison Villafane filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on October 8, 2015. She alleged that she suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) after receiving a Tetanus-diphtheria-accellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine on November 1, 2014.

Ms. Villafane stated that the vaccine was administered in the United States, that she experienced residual effects for more than six months, and that she had no prior award or settlement for this injury.

The respondent denied that the Tdap vaccination caused her alleged injuries or current condition. Despite the respondent's denial, the parties filed a joint stipulation on August 31, 2016, agreeing that compensation should be awarded.

Chief Special Master Nora Beth Dorsey found the stipulation reasonable and adopted it as the decision of the Court. Allison Villafane was awarded a lump sum of $50,000.00 as compensation for all items of damages.

The decision does not describe the specific onset of symptoms, medical tests, treatments, or expert witnesses. Maximillian Muller of Muller Brazil, LLP, represented the petitioner, and Alexis Babcock of the U.S.

Department of Justice represented the respondent.