Julia White v. HHS - Tdap, shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2024)

Julia White filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging that she suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) caused by a tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine administered on July 12, 2017. The case proceeded as a Table claim, and the court found that Ms.

White met the criteria for a SIRVA. She had no prior history of left shoulder pain, and her pain began within nine days of the vaccination, which the court found to be within the 48-hour window for SIRVA claims.

While she reported some pain in her arm and neck, the court determined that her primary complaints and treatment efforts were focused on her shoulder, and other potential causes for her symptoms were ruled out. The court also found that her injury persisted for more than six months, satisfying another requirement for compensation.

Respondent initially contested entitlement, arguing that her pain was not limited to her shoulder, but later agreed to a settlement. On October 8, 2024, a decision awarding damages was issued, granting Ms.

White a total of $107,843.28 in compensation. This amount included $100,000.00 for pain and suffering, $645.00 for past unreimbursable expenses, $6,130.51 for lost wages, and $1,067.77 to satisfy a South Carolina Medicaid lien.