Heather O’keefe v. HHS - Influenza, shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (2017)

Heather O’Keefe filed a petition on December 29, 2016, alleging that an October 20, 2015 influenza vaccination caused her to develop Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA) with residual effects lasting more than six months. The respondent denied that the flu vaccine caused her injury or any other condition.

Despite the denial, the parties filed a joint stipulation on November 14, 2017, agreeing to an award of compensation. Chief Special Master Nora Beth Dorsey adopted the stipulation, awarding Heather O’Keefe a lump sum of $75,000.00.

This amount included $74,045.37 for pain and suffering and $954.63 for past unreimbursed medical expenses. The decision was finalized on November 14, 2017.

The public decision does not describe the specific onset of symptoms, medical examinations, diagnostic tests, or treatments. Petitioner was represented by Danielle Strait of Maglio Christopher & Toale, PA, and respondent was represented by Alexis B.

Babcock of the U.S. Department of Justice.