Ninette Hanna Holbrook v. HHS - Influenza, left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2025)

On May 31, 2022, Ninette Hanna Holbrook filed a petition alleging that an influenza vaccination administered on September 30, 2019 caused a left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration. She was 39 years old at vaccination.

Ms. Holbrook submitted text messages and declarations stating that she experienced left shoulder pain right after the shot and that pain continued.

But she did not seek formal shoulder treatment until July 27, 2020, nearly ten months later. At that first orthopedic visit, the record described bilateral shoulder pain that began insidiously, with the left worse than the right.

Later records included bilateral shoulder complaints, a 2020 MRI, injection treatment, ultrasound-guided procedures, and renewed left-shoulder care in late 2021. Family members described ongoing limitations and help with daily activities, but the medical record had long gaps during the first six months after vaccination.

Respondent argued that Ms. Holbrook could not prove the statutory six-month severity requirement.

Chief Special Master Corcoran agreed and dismissed the petition on December 22, 2025. He found that evidence of onset was not the same as proof that a qualifying vaccine injury persisted beyond March 30, 2020.

The first treatment records were too late and too mixed with bilateral shoulder complaints to supply the missing proof, and declarations alone could not satisfy the Vaccine Act. No compensation was awarded.