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

Linda Fletcher filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging she suffered a Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA) after receiving an influenza vaccine on October 3, 2018. The respondent initially argued that entitlement should be denied because the vaccine administration record indicated the injection was in the left shoulder, not the right, and that the onset of pain did not occur within 48 hours of vaccination.

However, after reviewing the evidence, including Petitioner's declarations, her daughter's declaration, and subsequent medical records, the Chief Special Master found that Petitioner most likely received the vaccine in her right shoulder and that her pain began on the same day as the vaccination, satisfying the Table requirements for SIRVA. A subsequent decision awarded Linda Fletcher $80,000.00 for pain and suffering and $1,382.41 for past unreimbursable expenses, for a total award of $81,382.41.