Christine Ragsdale v. HHS - Influenza, shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2024)

Christine Ragsdale filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging that she suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) resulting from an influenza vaccination she received on October 28, 2020. She stated that the vaccination was administered in the United States, her symptoms persisted for more than six months, and she had not previously filed an action or received compensation for this injury.

The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, filed a Rule 4(c) report conceding that Ms. Ragsdale is entitled to compensation.

The Secretary concluded that her injury was consistent with SIRVA as defined by the Vaccine Injury Table, noting she had no prior shoulder issues, the pain occurred within 48 hours of vaccination, was limited to the injection site, and no other condition explained the pain. The Secretary also agreed that her symptoms persisted for more than six months.

Based on the respondent's concession and the evidence, entitlement to compensation was granted. Subsequently, a decision awarding damages was issued.

The parties stipulated to an award of $70,000.00 for pain and suffering and $699.08 to satisfy a Tennessee Medicaid lien. The total award was $70,699.08, to be paid as lump sum checks.