Elizabeth Loughren v. HHS - Influenza, shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2024)

Elizabeth Loughren, an adult, received an influenza vaccine on October 26, 2016. She alleged that she suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) as a result.

Loughren reported immediate pain down her left arm after the vaccination, which was administered high on her shoulder. She sought medical attention nearly two months later, reporting pain that had been bothering her for about two months since the vaccination.

Her physician diagnosed her with left shoulder impingement and rotator cuff strain, and she received a steroid injection. Loughren continued to experience pain and limited range of motion, which her physician assessed as SIRVA and a frozen shoulder.

She also filed a worker's compensation claim, which was initially denied. The case proceeded as a Table claim, and the court found that the onset of her shoulder pain occurred within 48 hours of vaccination and that the residual effects of her condition continued for more than six months.

The court also found that she met the other SIRVA criteria and other requirements for entitlement. Subsequently, the parties proffered an award of compensation.

Chief Special Master Corcoran awarded Elizabeth Loughren a lump sum payment of $25,000.00 for pain and suffering.