Kimberly Heller v. HHS - Influenza, left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2024)

Kimberly Heller filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging that she suffered a left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) as a result of an influenza vaccine she received on September 29, 2020. She stated that the vaccine was administered in the United States, that she experienced residual effects for more than six months, and that she had not received a prior award or settlement for this condition, aside from $500 from Publix Super Markets, Inc.

Respondent denied that the flu vaccine caused her alleged injury or any other injury. The parties subsequently filed a joint stipulation agreeing to settle the case and award compensation.

Chief Special Master Corcoran found the stipulation reasonable and adopted it as her decision. Kimberly Heller was awarded a lump sum of $37,500.00, representing compensation for all items of damages available under Section 15(a).

The parties also agreed to submit to further proceedings for reasonable attorneys' fees and costs. The stipulation was not an admission by the United States or the Secretary of Health and Human Services that the flu vaccine caused the alleged injury.