Sandra Jean Riffelmacher v. HHS - Influenza, left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2022)

Sandra Jean Riffelmacher filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on December 28, 2020, alleging she suffered a left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) after receiving an influenza vaccine on October 11, 2019. She stated the vaccine was received in the United States, her injuries lasted more than six months, and she had not previously received compensation for these injuries.

Respondent filed a Rule 4(c) report conceding that Petitioner is entitled to compensation, agreeing that she had no prior history of left shoulder issues, that her pain and reduced range of motion began within 48 hours of vaccination and were localized to the injection site, and that no other condition explained her symptoms. Respondent also confirmed the case was timely filed, the vaccine was administered in the U.S., and the severity requirement was met.

Based on Respondent's concession and the evidence, entitlement to compensation was granted on September 20, 2022. Subsequently, on November 16, 2022, a decision awarding damages was issued.

Respondent proffered an award of $60,440.00, which included $60,000.00 for pain and suffering and $440.00 for past unreimbursable expenses. Petitioner agreed with this award, and the court granted the compensation.