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

Monique Coombes filed a petition on August 24, 2021, alleging that an influenza vaccine administered on October 23, 2019, caused a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA). Initially, the respondent contested entitlement, arguing the injury did not meet the statutory severity requirement.

However, on September 24, 2024, the Chief Special Master ruled that the severity requirement was met. Subsequently, on October 18, 2024, the respondent conceded that Ms.

Coombes was entitled to compensation, agreeing that she met the Table criteria for SIRVA, including no prior history of shoulder issues, onset within 48 hours of vaccination, pain limited to the vaccinated shoulder, and no other identified cause. Based on this concession, entitlement was granted.

A subsequent decision on December 16, 2024, awarded Ms. Coombes $121,133.63 in damages, comprising $120,000.00 for pain and suffering and $1,133.63 for past unreimbursable expenses.

The award was made as a lump sum payment to Ms. Coombes, who is a competent adult.