Paul Christensen v. HHS - Influenza, right shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2022)

Paul Christensen filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging a right shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) resulting from an influenza vaccine he received on October 14, 2017. The case was assigned to the Special Processing Unit.

Initially, the Respondent contested entitlement. However, following a ruling on entitlement in favor of Petitioner, the Respondent filed an amended report agreeing that Petitioner met the criteria for a SIRVA Table injury, as his condition had no prior history of shoulder issues, the onset of pain occurred within 48 hours of vaccination, and the pain was localized to the vaccinated shoulder.

The Respondent also agreed that the residual effects lasted more than six months. Based on this agreement and the evidence, the Chief Special Master found Petitioner entitled to compensation.

Subsequently, the parties submitted a proffer for damages. The Chief Special Master awarded Paul Christensen a total of $76,226.41, consisting of $75,000.00 for pain and suffering and $1,226.41 for past unreimbursable expenses, to be paid as a lump sum.