Helene Melancon v. HHS - Influenza, shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2017)

Helene Melancon filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging she suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) as a result of her October 10, 2013 influenza vaccination. The case was assigned to the Special Processing Unit.

Respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, filed a Rule 4(c) report conceding that Ms. Melancon is entitled to compensation.

The respondent concluded that her left shoulder injury was consistent with SIRVA and was caused in fact by the flu vaccine. Respondent also agreed that no other causes were identified for the injury and that Ms.

Melancon suffered sequelae for more than six months. Based on the respondent's concession and the evidence, the Chief Special Master found that Ms.

Melancon is entitled to compensation. The case was therefore ruled as entitlement granted, pending a decision on damages.