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

Gabriel Flores filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging that he suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) caused by an influenza vaccine he received on September 27, 2019. The case proceeded as a Table claim, meaning the injury was presumed to be caused by the vaccine if certain criteria were met.

The court found that Mr. Flores had no prior history of left shoulder pain, that his pain began on the same day as the vaccination, and that the majority of his pain was located in his left shoulder, satisfying the Table requirements for SIRVA.

He also met the other requirements for entitlement, including suffering residual effects for more than six months. The court initially deferred ruling on damages.

In a subsequent decision, the court awarded Mr. Flores $72,500.00 for pain and suffering and $684.40 for unreimbursed medical expenses, for a total award of $73,184.40.