Melissa Caparrelli v. HHS - Influenza, Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA) (2022)

Melissa Caparrelli filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program alleging a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) resulting from an influenza vaccine she received on November 11, 2019. The respondent conceded that Ms.

Caparrelli is entitled to compensation, finding that her injury satisfied the criteria set forth in the Vaccine Injury Table and the Qualifications and Aids to Interpretation. Specifically, the respondent noted that she had no prior history of shoulder issues, her pain and reduced range of motion occurred within 48 hours of the vaccination, her symptoms were limited to the vaccinated shoulder, and no other condition explained her symptoms.

A ruling on entitlement was issued on December 10, 2021, finding her entitled to compensation. Subsequently, on August 2, 2022, the parties submitted a proffer on the award of compensation.

The court awarded Ms. Caparrelli a total of $99,137.40, which included $85,000.00 for pain and suffering, $249.03 for past unreimbursable expenses, and $13,888.37 for lost wages.

This award was made as a lump sum payment to Ms. Caparrelli, who is a competent adult.