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

Renee Smith filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on May 20, 2019, alleging that she suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) caused by an influenza vaccine received on September 22, 2017. Respondent conceded that her injury was consistent with SIRVA, a Table Injury, and that she met the legal prerequisites for compensation.

A ruling on entitlement was issued on September 23, 2020. As the parties could not agree on damages, a hearing was held on May 28, 2021.

The decision awarding damages, filed on June 28, 2021, awarded Renee Smith a total of $127,281.68. This amount included $125,000.00 for past pain and suffering and $2,281.68 for past lost wages.

The injury involved immediate pain and limited range of motion, requiring conservative treatment, physical therapy, and eventually arthroscopic surgery approximately eight months after vaccination. She recovered to the point of being cleared for work with no further restrictions about thirteen months post-vaccination.