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

Laurie Tennessen filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging she suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) as a consequence of an influenza vaccine administered on October 11, 2017. She stated the vaccination occurred in the United States, that she suffered residual effects for more than six months, and that she had no prior award or settlement for this condition.

Respondent denied that Petitioner suffered the onset of her alleged SIRVA within the Table timeframe, denied that the flu vaccine caused her injury, and denied that her current disabilities were a sequela of a vaccine-related injury. Despite these denials, the parties filed a joint stipulation on March 4, 2021, agreeing that compensation should be awarded.

Chief Special Master Corcoran found the stipulation reasonable and adopted it as the decision awarding damages. Laurie Tennessen was awarded a lump sum of $53,479.23, representing compensation for all items of damages available under Section 15(a).

The case proceeded as a Table claim, and the parties stipulated to the award amount.