Hope Johnson v. HHS - Influenza, shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2021)

Hope Johnson filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program alleging she suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) after receiving the influenza vaccine on October 10, 2015. The respondent conceded that her injury was consistent with SIRVA and caused by the vaccine, and that she met all legal prerequisites for compensation.

A ruling on entitlement was issued on October 2, 2020. Subsequently, on March 4, 2021, a decision awarding damages was issued.

The court found that Hope Johnson was entitled to an award of $67,422.95, which included $65,000.00 for past pain and suffering, $693.81 for past lost wages, and $1,729.14 for unreimbursed out-of-pocket expenses. The medical records indicated that Ms.

Johnson experienced immediate and intense pain two days after vaccination, but her pain levels decreased with treatment, and her range of motion limitations were mild. The court noted that she did not seek further treatment for her shoulder for a significant period and that she also suffered from chronic back pain, which influenced the final award amount.

The SIRVA was considered a Table Injury.