Margaret Chalgren v. HHS - Influenza, shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2025)

Margaret Chalgren, an adult, received an influenza vaccine on October 9, 2020. She alleged that she suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA).

Her petition was filed on March 3, 2022. Ms.

Chalgren reported left shoulder pain starting within 48 hours of vaccination, which she initially attributed to normal injection site soreness. However, the pain worsened over the following week, becoming severe and limiting her range of motion.

She sought medical attention nearly three months later, on January 6, 2021, and was diagnosed with left shoulder pain. She later saw an orthopedist who diagnosed her with left shoulder subacromial bursitis with impingement and recommended physical therapy and a cortisone injection, which provided relief.

She received a second cortisone injection in December 2021. The court found that the evidence preponderantly supported that her pain began within 48 hours of vaccination, meeting the Table criteria for SIRVA.

The parties stipulated to damages, and the court awarded Ms. Chalgren $40,000.00 for pain and suffering and $302.34 for out-of-pocket expenses, for a total award of $40,302.34.