Karen Belanger v. HHS - Influenza, right shoulder injury related to vaccination administration (SIRVA) (2021)

Karen Belanger filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging she suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) caused by an influenza vaccine she received on September 28, 2018. She stated the vaccination occurred in the United States and that she had suffered residual effects for more than six months, with no prior civil action award or settlement.

Respondent denied that the flu vaccine caused her injury or that she sustained a SIRVA Table injury. Despite these positions, the parties filed a joint stipulation agreeing that the case should be settled and compensation awarded.

The Chief Special Master adopted the stipulation, awarding Karen Belanger a lump sum of $63,000.00. This amount represents compensation for all damages available under the Vaccine Act.

The stipulation also noted that the parties would submit to further proceedings for attorneys' fees and costs. The settlement does not constitute an admission by the United States or the Secretary of Health and Human Services that the flu vaccine caused the injury.