Maria Cristina Nargi v. HHS - Influenza, shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2025)

Maria Cristina Nargi, an adult, received an influenza vaccine on January 5, 2017. She alleged that she suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) as a result of this vaccination.

Her petition was filed on December 9, 2019. The medical records indicated that Ms.

Nargi, who was 57 years old at the time of vaccination, had a history of a cyst on her right shoulder but no prior pain. She reported experiencing right shoulder pain approximately two days after the vaccination, which worsened over the following night, making it difficult to lift her arm.

While she did not seek medical attention for nearly two months, she eventually received treatment, including physical therapy, which showed reduced range of motion in her right shoulder. Respondent initially contested entitlement, arguing that the pain did not begin within 48 hours, that there was no demonstrated loss of range of motion, that there was a factual question about the injection arm, and that neurological symptoms suggested an alternative cause.

However, the court found that Ms. Nargi's affidavit credibly explained the delay in seeking treatment and that her pain onset was within the 48-hour window for a Table SIRVA.

The court also found sufficient evidence of reduced range of motion in her right shoulder, despite some conflicting records regarding the injection site. The court determined that the neurological symptoms reported later were likely a separate condition and did not negate the SIRVA diagnosis.

Ultimately, the court ruled that Ms. Nargi was entitled to compensation for a Table SIRVA.

A subsequent decision awarded her $61,530.00, comprising $60,000.00 for past pain and suffering and $1,530.00 for past unreimbursable expenses.