Graciela Johnson v. HHS - Tdap, Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA) (2023)

Graciela Johnson filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging that she received a tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine in her left arm and an influenza (flu) vaccine in her right arm on January 5, 2021. She claimed that she subsequently suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) in each shoulder.

The respondent conceded that Ms. Johnson is entitled to compensation, finding that she satisfied the criteria for SIRVA as set forth in the Vaccine Injury Table and its Qualifications and Aids to Interpretation.

The case proceeded as a Table claim. Subsequently, the parties reached a stipulation for damages.

On April 6, 2023, the court awarded Graciela Johnson a total of $121,462.38. This award consisted of $117,500.00 for pain and suffering damages and $3,962.38 for past expenses, representing compensation for all elements of damages available under the Vaccine Act.