Geraldine Petrocelli v. HHS - Influenza, cellulitis (2020)

Geraldine Petrocelli filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging she suffered cellulitis following her receipt of an influenza vaccination on September 18, 2014. She further alleged that she experienced residual effects of her injuries for more than six months.

Respondent denied that Ms. Petrocelli sustained cellulitis, a hypersensitivity reaction to the vaccine, lymphedema, cubital tunnel syndrome, and paresthesia, and denied that the flu vaccine caused her any other injury or her current condition.

Despite the denial, the parties filed a joint stipulation on May 26, 2020, agreeing that a decision should be entered awarding compensation. The Special Master found the stipulation reasonable and adopted it as the decision of the Court.

Pursuant to the stipulation, Ms. Petrocelli was awarded a lump sum of $100,000.00, representing compensation for all items of damages available under the Vaccine Act.

The decision directed the clerk of the court to enter judgment in accordance with this decision, absent a motion for review.