Jennifer Sohmer v. HHS - Influenza, shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2022)

Jennifer Sohmer filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging that she suffered a left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) as a result of an influenza vaccine she received on September 24, 2019. The respondent conceded that Ms.

Sohmer did not have a history of left shoulder pain, that her pain and reduced range of motion began within 48 hours of the vaccination, and that no other condition explained her shoulder pain. The respondent also agreed that the case was timely filed, the vaccine was administered in the United States, and Ms.

Sohmer met the statutory severity requirement of suffering residual effects for more than six months. Based on the respondent's concession and the evidence of record, entitlement to compensation was granted.

Subsequently, respondent filed a proffer on award of compensation, to which Ms. Sohmer agreed, providing for an award of $69,695.99, which included $67,500.00 for pain and suffering and $2,195.99 for unreimbursed medical expenses.

The decision awarding damages, based on the proffer, was issued on July 8, 2022.