Carolyn Sawyer v. HHS - Influenza, left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2026)

On May 2, 2022, Carolyn Sawyer filed a petition alleging that an influenza vaccination administered on November 20, 2020 caused a left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration. The claim was litigated on entitlement before damages were proffered.

Ms. Sawyer stated that she developed pain in her left shoulder and upper arm after vaccination, called Campti Clinic the next day, and was told to use heat.

She said she tried to manage the pain at home because of COVID-19 exposure concerns and made additional calls over the next two months, though the medical records did not document those calls. Her first documented shoulder visit came later.

Respondent disputed whether the record proved the six-month severity requirement, emphasizing the lack of contemporaneous documentation and the delay or gaps in treatment. Chief Special Master Brian H.

Corcoran found that Ms. Sawyer had proven residual effects or complications for more than six months and had also shown pain onset within forty-eight hours.

He noted, however, that the delay and limited treatment suggested a milder SIRVA injury and would affect damages. Damages were then resolved by proffer.

On March 11, 2026, Chief Special Master Corcoran awarded $40,173.54, consisting of $40,000.00 for pain and suffering and $173.54 for a Medicaid lien/past reimbursable expense component.