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

Donald Buford filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging he suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) from an influenza vaccine he received on November 5, 2018. He stated the vaccine was administered in the United States and that his symptoms persisted for more than six months.

The respondent conceded that Mr. Buford was entitled to compensation, agreeing that he had no prior shoulder issues, that his pain began within 48 hours of the vaccination, was limited to the injection site, and that no other condition explained his symptoms.

The respondent also confirmed that Mr. Buford timely filed his claim, received the vaccine in the U.S., and met the statutory severity requirement.

Based on the respondent's concession and the evidence, entitlement to compensation was granted. Subsequently, the parties reached a proffer agreement for an award of $50,000.00.

The court awarded Mr. Buford a lump sum payment of $50,000.00, representing compensation for all damages available under the Act.