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

Shanel Mayo filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on September 1, 2020, alleging she suffered a Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA) as a result of an influenza vaccination on September 26, 2019. The petition stated the vaccine was administered in the United States and that the injury had residual effects lasting more than six months, with no prior award or settlement for the condition.

The respondent denied that the injury was a Table SIRVA within the specified timeframe, denied that the residual effects lasted more than six months, and denied that the flu immunization caused or significantly aggravated the alleged shoulder injury or any other injury. Despite these denials, the parties filed a joint stipulation on April 16, 2022, agreeing to settle the case and award compensation.

Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran adopted the stipulation, awarding Shanel Mayo a lump sum of $20,000.00, payable by check to the petitioner, for all damages available under Section 15(a) of the Vaccine Act.

The decision was finalized on June 16, 2022. Petitioner was represented by Leigh Finfer of Muller Brazil, LLP, and respondent was represented by Ryan Daniel Pyles of the U.S.

Department of Justice. The public decision does not describe the specific onset of symptoms, diagnostic tests, or treatments.

The stipulation explicitly states that it is not an admission by the United States or the Secretary of Health and Human Services that the flu vaccine caused the petitioner's alleged shoulder injury.