Mechelle Head v. HHS - Influenza, right shoulder bursitis and related sequelae (2019)

Mechelle Head filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program alleging that she suffered a Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA) as a result of her October 11, 2016 influenza vaccination. The respondent conceded that petitioner was entitled to compensation for her right-side bursitis and related sequelae.

Although the respondent initially noted that the injury was not consistent with the Table criteria for SIRVA due to symptoms extending beyond the shoulder, they later conceded causation-in-fact based on Institute of Medicine findings linking vaccine injections to deltoid bursitis and the petitioner's diagnosis of right shoulder reactive bursitis, status post flu shot. The Chief Special Master issued a ruling on entitlement, finding Mechelle Head entitled to compensation.

Subsequently, the parties reached a stipulation for damages. On January 17, 2019, a decision awarding damages was issued, granting Mechelle Head a lump sum payment of $81,000.00, representing compensation for all available elements of damages.