Charles Olson v. HHS - Influenza, shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2024)

Charles Olson, an adult, received an influenza vaccine in his left shoulder on September 24, 2019. Within hours, he began experiencing pain and discomfort, which he reported to medical providers starting on October 17, 2019, approximately three weeks later.

He was diagnosed with shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA). Mr.

Olson's medical records documented persistent left shoulder pain, reduced range of motion, and tenderness, which ultimately led to arthroscopic surgery on March 2, 2021. He also underwent physical therapy and received steroid injections.

The respondent initially questioned the onset of the injury and suggested a fall in November 2019 as an alternative cause. However, the court found that Mr.

Olson's reported pain began shortly after the vaccination and prior to the fall, satisfying the Table criteria for SIRVA. Entitlement was granted on January 27, 2023.

After failing to reach an agreement on damages, the court awarded Mr. Olson $128,000.00 for pain and suffering, plus $180.47 for a Medicaid lien to Rawlings Company and $3,615.96 for a Medicaid lien to Optum, totaling $131,976.43.