Karla Strand v. HHS - Tdap, left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2021)

Karla Strand filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on March 11, 2019, alleging that she suffered a left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) after receiving a Tdap vaccination on February 14, 2018. She further alleged that the residual effects of this injury lasted for more than six months.

The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that Ms. Strand sustained a Table SIRVA within the timeframe specified in the Vaccine Injury Table and denied that the Tdap immunization caused or significantly aggravated her alleged shoulder injury or any other injury.

The parties, represented by Leah VaSahnja Durant for the petitioner and Ryan Daniel Pyles for the respondent, subsequently filed a joint stipulation on April 21, 2021, agreeing to settle the case. Chief Special Master Brian H.

Corcoran reviewed and adopted the stipulation as the decision awarding damages. Ms.

Strand was awarded a lump sum of $65,000.00, payable by check to the petitioner, as compensation for all items of damages available under Section 15(a) of the Vaccine Act. The decision directs the clerk of the court to enter judgment in accordance with the stipulation.

The stipulation also noted that attorneys' fees and costs would be addressed in subsequent proceedings.