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

Laura Lunsford 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 September 27, 2019. Her past medical history included no reports of left shoulder issues.

She received the flu vaccine in her left shoulder on September 27, 2019. While she did not report shoulder pain at an unrelated medication refill appointment on October 1, 2019, she saw her physician on October 11, 2019, reporting left shoulder pain that began on October 2, 2019, approximately five days after vaccination.

Medical records noted a restricted range of motion and suspected frozen shoulder. Subsequent examinations and an MRI revealed rotator cuff tenderness, positive impingement signs, and mild tendinosis.

The respondent initially opposed compensation, arguing that the medical records did not reflect onset of shoulder pain within 48 hours of vaccination. However, the court found that the medical records preponderantly established onset of injury within 48 hours of vaccination, noting that the petitioner consistently linked her shoulder pain to the flu shot.

The court also found that her pain was limited to her left shoulder and that there was no evidence of another condition or abnormality that would explain her symptoms. The court determined that Laura Lunsford satisfied the requirements for a Table SIRVA and was entitled to compensation.

Subsequently, the parties stipulated to an award of $45,000.00 for pain and suffering, which was awarded by the court.