Deborah Wood v. HHS - Influenza, shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2023)

Deborah Wood filed a petition for compensation on December 31, 2019, alleging that she suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) caused by an influenza vaccine administered on October 4, 2017. The Chief Special Master found that Ms.

Wood was entitled to compensation, determining that she met the Table requirements for SIRVA. The ruling noted that while the administration record indicated the vaccine was given in the left arm, other medical records and testimony consistently linked right shoulder pain to the vaccination received in that arm.

The prior degenerative condition in her right shoulder from two years earlier was deemed insufficient to explain the post-vaccination symptoms. The onset of pain was found to be within 48 hours of vaccination, and the injury was limited to the right shoulder.

The injury also persisted for more than six months. On May 11, 2023, a decision awarding damages was issued, granting Ms.

Wood $57,678.95, which included $57,500.00 for pain and suffering and $178.95 for out-of-pocket and mileage expenses, based on a proffer agreed to by both parties.