Tamela Sprigg v. HHS - Influenza, left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2025)

Tamela Sprigg, born in 1960, received an influenza vaccine on October 26, 2018. She alleged that this vaccination caused a left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA), which is a condition listed on the Vaccine Injury Table.

While she did not report immediate shoulder pain, she and her husband stated that she experienced an "immediate achiness" that she initially attributed to normal soreness. She was also the primary caregiver for her mother and mother-in-law, which may have contributed to a delay in seeking medical attention.

Her first documented medical visit for shoulder pain occurred approximately 76 days after vaccination. The medical records showed severe pain, bursitis, tendinosis, and limited range of motion, leading to arthroscopic surgery and physical therapy.

The parties initially disputed whether the onset of pain occurred within the 48-hour window required for a Table SIRVA claim. The Chief Special Master found that Petitioner had established entitlement to compensation, determining that her shoulder pain more likely than not began within 48 hours of vaccination.

The case then proceeded to the damages phase. After settlement discussions failed, the parties briefed the damages issue.

The court awarded Tamela Sprigg $110,000.00 for past pain and suffering. The award did not include compensation for later shoulder complaints, as the court found they were likely caused by an intervening event (over-reliance on the shoulder after knee surgery) rather than the original SIRVA.