Linda Garcia v. HHS - Influenza, right shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2025)

Linda Garcia filed a petition alleging that an influenza vaccine she received on October 26, 2020, caused a right shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA). She sought compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program.

The medical records indicated that Ms. Garcia experienced pain and reduced range of motion in her right shoulder shortly after the vaccination.

Despite some initial ambiguity in the exact timing of symptom onset in the medical records, the Special Master found that Ms. Garcia's own statements and those of her family members supported an onset within 48 hours of the vaccination, satisfying the Table criteria for SIRVA.

The court also found that her pain and limited range of motion were confined to the right shoulder and that no other condition explained her symptoms. The ruling on entitlement was issued on January 8, 2025.

Subsequently, on June 3, 2025, a decision awarding damages was issued. The parties stipulated to an award of $138,615.70, which included $135,000.00 for pain and suffering and $3,615.70 for past unreimbursable expenses.

Ms. Garcia was found to be entitled to compensation for her Table SIRVA injury.