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

Jennifer Callies filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on March 18, 2022. She alleged that she suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) after receiving an influenza vaccination on December 1, 2020, and that the residual effects of this injury lasted for more than six months.

The respondent initially stated that the case was not appropriate for compensation. However, on February 24, 2025, the respondent filed an amended report conceding that Ms.

Callies was entitled to compensation, as she had satisfied the criteria set forth in the Vaccine Injury Table. A Ruling on Entitlement was issued on February 25, 2025, by Chief Special Master Brian H.

Corcoran, finding Ms. Callies entitled to compensation.

Subsequently, on April 14, 2025, the respondent filed a Proffer on Award of Compensation, indicating that Ms. Callies should be awarded $40,000.00 for pain and suffering and $785.32 to satisfy a Commonwealth of Virginia Medicaid lien.

The proffer stated that Ms. Callies agreed with this proposed award.

Chief Special Master Corcoran issued a Decision Awarding Damages on April 14, 2025, awarding Ms. Callies a total of $40,785.32.

This amount included a lump sum payment of $40,000.00 for pain and suffering, to be paid through an ACH deposit to her counsel's IOLTA account, and a lump sum payment of $785.32 to satisfy the Commonwealth of Virginia Medicaid lien, payable jointly to Ms. Callies and the Office of the Attorney General.

The decision noted that this award represented compensation for all damages available under the Act. Petitioner's counsel was Jubaile Abila of Groth Law Firm, S.C., and respondent's counsel was Lauren Kells of the U.S.

Department of Justice.