Wanda Garcia v. HHS - Tdap, abscess in her left shoulder; non-specific mass on her left upper extremity (2019)

Wanda Garcia filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging that she suffered an abscess in her left shoulder caused by a Tdap vaccination she received on April 22, 2016. The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, conceded that Ms.

Garcia was entitled to compensation. The respondent agreed that she developed a non-specific mass on her left upper extremity, which was more likely than not caused by the Tdap vaccine administered at that location, and that no other causes were identified.

The respondent also agreed that her injury met the duration requirement for compensation. Subsequently, the parties reached a stipulation for damages.

The Chief Special Master awarded Ms. Garcia a total of $54,391.90.

This amount included $47,500.00 for pain and suffering and $6,891.90 to satisfy a New York State Medicaid lien. The decision was issued on August 29, 2019, following the initial ruling on entitlement on February 22, 2019.