Darlene Thompson v. HHS - COVID-19, side effects . . . in [her] upper extremity, severe pain in sho[u]lder, upper arms, right arm w[h]ere shot is at, muscle cramps, twitches in face, blurred vision, fatigue[, and] loss of sleep, headache[, and] sad (2022)

Darlene Thompson filed a petition on January 14, 2022, alleging she suffered side effects from a COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine administered on July 8, 2021. The alleged side effects included pain in her upper extremity, shoulder, and upper arms, particularly in the right arm where the shot was given.

She also reported muscle cramps, facial twitches, blurred vision, fatigue, loss of sleep, headache, and sadness. The petition was filed under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (Vaccine Act).

However, the Special Master noted that the COVID-19 vaccine is not covered by the Vaccine Program but rather by the Countermeasure Injury Compensation Program (CICP). Due to the petition being filed under the incorrect program, the case was dismissed.

The Special Master advised Ms. Thompson to seek information regarding COVID-19 vaccine injuries through the CICP and provided contact information and a website for further inquiries.

The public decision does not describe the petitioner's counsel, respondent's counsel, specific clinical details beyond the alleged symptoms, any medical experts, or the specific reasoning for the dismissal beyond the incorrect program filing. The decision was issued by Special Master Nora Beth Dorsey and was reissued for publication on February 14, 2022.