Paula Doze v. HHS - Influenza, left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2022)

Paula Doze filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program alleging she suffered a left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) as a result of an influenza vaccine received on October 17, 2018. She stated she received the vaccine in the United States and suffered residual effects for more than six months.

The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, filed a Rule 4(c) report conceding that Ms. Doze was entitled to compensation.

The respondent agreed that her medical course was consistent with SIRVA as defined by the Vaccine Injury Table, noting no pre-vaccination history of shoulder issues, pain within 48 hours post-vaccination limited to the injection site, and no other identified condition to explain the pain. The respondent also agreed that she suffered residual effects for more than six months and satisfied all legal prerequisites for compensation.

Based on the respondent's concession and the evidence, the Chief Special Master issued a ruling on entitlement finding Ms. Doze entitled to compensation.

Subsequently, the respondent filed a proffer on award of compensation, recommending an award of $102,460.32, which included $100,000.00 for pain and suffering and $2,460.32 for past unreimbursable expenses. Ms.

Doze agreed with this proffered award. The Chief Special Master issued a decision awarding Ms.

Doze the lump sum of $102,460.32.