Hanna Reynolds v. HHS - Influenza, left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2024)

Hanna Reynolds, an adult, received an influenza vaccine on October 28, 2018. She alleged that she suffered a left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) as a result of this vaccination.

The medical records indicated that she experienced immediate pain upon receiving the shot, which continued and worsened over the following weeks. She sought medical attention approximately two months later, reporting pain and limited range of motion in her left shoulder.

The injury was diagnosed as SIRVA, and she underwent extensive treatment including physical therapy, pain medication, and ultimately arthroscopic surgery on her left shoulder. The respondent initially contested the onset date, arguing that the two-month delay in seeking treatment and inconsistencies in reported dates meant the injury did not occur within the 48-hour window required for a Table SIRVA claim.

However, the court found that the petitioner consistently linked her pain to the flu shot and that the evidence, including her own declarations and medical records, preponderantly supported an onset of pain immediately following vaccination. The court granted her motion for a ruling on entitlement, finding she met the criteria for a Table SIRVA.

Subsequently, the court awarded Hanna Reynolds $110,000.00 for pain and suffering and $2,647.14 for unreimbursable expenses, for a total award of $112,647.14.