Barbara McNair Buchanan v. HHS - Influenza, left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2024)

Barbara McNair Buchanan filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on March 31, 2021, alleging she suffered a left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) after receiving an influenza vaccination on or about October 6, 2020. She claimed the injury resulted in residual effects lasting more than six months.

Respondent denied that the flu vaccine caused her injury or current condition. Despite these differing positions, the parties filed a joint stipulation on June 27, 2024, agreeing that a decision should be entered awarding compensation.

The court adopted the stipulation as its decision. Ms.

Buchanan was awarded a total of $20,883.41, consisting of a $19,000.00 lump sum payment to her and $1,883.41 to reimburse a Medicaid lien payable jointly to her and Equian. This award covers all damages available under the Vaccine Act.

The parties also agreed to submit to further proceedings for reasonable attorneys' fees and costs. The stipulation releases the United States and the Secretary of Health and Human Services from all claims related to the alleged injury from the flu vaccination.