Merlin Blehm v. HHS - Influenza, left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2023)

Merlin Blehm filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging a left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) from an influenza vaccine received on October 16, 2020. Mr.

Blehm stated that the vaccine was administered in the United States, he experienced residual effects for more than six months, and he had not previously received compensation or filed a civil action for vaccine-related injuries. Respondent denied that Mr.

Blehm sustained a SIRVA Table injury, denied that the flu vaccine caused his alleged shoulder injury, and denied that the flu vaccine caused any other injury or his current condition. Despite the denial, the parties filed a joint stipulation for an award of compensation.

Chief Special Master Corcoran found the stipulation reasonable and adopted it as the decision awarding damages. Mr.

Blehm was awarded a lump sum of $65,000.00, representing compensation for all items of damages available under Section 15(a). The Clerk of Court was directed to enter judgment in accordance with this decision.