Nakia Hooks v. HHS - Influenza, Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA) (2023)

Nakia Hooks 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 17, 2018. She claimed the injury met the Table definition for SIRVA and that she experienced residual effects for more than six months post-vaccination.

Respondent denied that the SIRVA onset occurred within the Table timeframe and denied that the flu vaccine caused her injury or current disabilities. Despite these denials, the parties filed a joint stipulation agreeing to settle the case and award compensation.

The court adopted the stipulation as its decision, awarding Nakia Hooks a total of $78,983.12. This amount included $70,000.00 as a lump sum payment to Petitioner and $8,983.12 to reimburse a Medicaid lien for services rendered by the State of California.

The award covers all items of damages available under Section 15(a) of the Vaccine Act. The case proceeded as a Table claim, and the parties stipulated to the damages.