Ijeoma Chukwudum v. HHS - Influenza, shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2025)

Ijeoma Chukwudum, a 37-year-old pharmacist, received an influenza vaccine on October 13, 2017. Within 48 hours, she developed left shoulder pain and limited range of motion, diagnosed as Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA).

This case proceeded as a Table claim, with the court finding that Ms. Chukwudum established the necessary criteria, including onset within 48 hours of vaccination.

The initial medical records did not immediately reflect the shoulder pain, as Ms. Chukwudum was initially managing her symptoms with self-care and the early medical encounters were for an unrelated acne condition.

However, subsequent medical records and her own testimony consistently linked the onset of pain to the vaccination. The respondent contested the onset within the 48-hour window.

After establishing entitlement, the case proceeded to damages. Ms.

Chukwudum underwent extensive conservative treatment, including physical and occupational therapy, chiropractic sessions, and pain management programs, as well as three steroid injections. She ultimately underwent arthroscopic surgery in January 2019 for glenohumeral debridement and subacromial decompression.

Her shoulder substantially recovered by mid-2019, approximately 20 months after vaccination, with full range of motion and strength. The court awarded Ms.

Chukwudum $130,000.00 for past pain and suffering and $11,097.11 for past unreimbursed medical expenses, totaling $141,097.11. The claim for future pain and suffering and past lost earnings was denied due to insufficient evidence of ongoing impairment or properly calculated offsets, though the pain and suffering award was adjusted upwards to acknowledge work disruptions.