Kathleen Rice v. HHS - Influenza, shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2025)

Kathleen Rice filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging that she suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) caused by an influenza vaccine administered on October 30, 2019. She had no prior history of shoulder pain.

Within two weeks of the vaccination, she began experiencing shoulder pain, which she linked to the flu shot. Medical records documented pain and limited range of motion in her left shoulder, with diagnoses including adhesive capsulitis.

Petitioner submitted declarations from herself and her husband corroborating the onset of pain shortly after the vaccination. The respondent filed a Rule 4(c) report but later agreed to a stipulated award.

The Chief Special Master issued a ruling on entitlement finding Petitioner entitled to compensation for a Table SIRVA, as the injury manifested within 48 hours of vaccination, was limited to the affected shoulder, and had no other explanatory cause. Subsequently, the parties submitted a proffer for damages.

The court awarded Kathleen Rice a total of $69,736.98, comprising $65,000.00 for pain and suffering and $4,736.98 for unreimbursed expenses.