Jessica Hampton v. HHS - Tdap, right shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (“SIRVA”) (2026)

Jessica Hampton filed a petition for compensation on September 13, 2022, alleging a Table injury of a right shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) due to a Tdap vaccine received on December 12, 2021. The respondent contested entitlement, arguing that the onset of pain was not within 48 hours and that other conditions could explain the symptoms.

However, the Special Master found that the delay in seeking treatment was reasonable given intervening injuries from a hiking accident and that her pre-existing carpal tunnel syndrome did not fully explain the shoulder pain. The court also found that the contemporaneous medical record documenting injection in the left arm was likely an error, as the petitioner consistently reported receiving the vaccine in her right shoulder, which is consistent with SIRVA claims.

The petitioner was found entitled to compensation. The court awarded $148,000.00 for pain and suffering and $3,786.89 for unreimbursable medical expenses, totaling $151,786.89.

The injury involved multiple doctor's appointments, MRIs, physical therapy, steroid injections, and a surgical procedure.