Michelle Gonzales v. HHS - Influenza, shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2025)

Michelle Gonzales filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging that she suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) as a result of her October 16, 2017 influenza vaccination. She further alleged that she has experienced the residual effects of her condition for more than six months, that there has been no prior award or settlement of a civil action for damages, and that her vaccine was administered in the United States.

Respondent denied that petitioner sustained a SIRVA Table injury, denied that the flu vaccine caused her alleged shoulder injury or any other injury or condition, and denied that her current condition is a sequelae of a vaccine-related injury. Nevertheless, on March 26, 2025, the parties filed a joint stipulation agreeing that compensation should be awarded.

The Special Master found the stipulation reasonable and adopted it as the decision of the Court. Pursuant to the stipulation, Michelle Gonzales was awarded a lump sum of $20,000.00 for pain and suffering and $1,243.14 to reimburse a Medicaid lien for services rendered to her by the State of California.

This award represents compensation for all items of damages available under the Vaccine Act. The case was decided based on a joint stipulation for compensation.