Alyssa Tani v. HHS - Influenza, shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2025)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
On September 15, 2022, Alyssa Tani, then 30, filed a petition alleging that an influenza vaccine administered in her left shoulder on October 11, 2021 caused a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration. Respondent conceded entitlement, stating that DICP concluded the vaccine caused her shoulder pain and that she suffered residual effects for more than six months.
The damages record gave more of Ms. Tani's story.
She felt a strange twinge immediately after the shot, later described concern that it had been given wrong, and developed persistent pain. A December 14, 2021 MRI arthrogram showed mild degenerative arthrosis and findings including likely diffuse biceps-tendon tearing, possible post-traumatic teres minor tearing/strain, and supraspinatus/infraspinatus tendinosis.
Her treatment included a steroid injection, Medrol Dosepak, specialist visits, physical therapy, and a home-exercise program. She was also caring for four children, and by July 2022 her records showed full range of motion, good strength, and effective resolution.
Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran awarded damages on March 13, 2025 after briefing.
He awarded $50,000.00 for actual pain and suffering and $428.42 in unreimbursed expenses, for a total of $50,428.42.
Theory of causation
Influenza vaccine October 11, 2021 at age 30 causing SIRVA; immediate onset. ENTITLEMENT CONCEDED; COMPENSATED after damages briefing. Evidence included immediate twinge, MRI arthrogram with mild degenerative arthrosis and biceps/teres minor/tendinosis findings, steroid injection, Medrol Dosepak, PT/HEP, and substantial recovery by July 2022. Award $50,000 pain/suffering + $428.42 expenses = $50,428.42. Chief SM Brian H. Corcoran; petition September 15, 2022; damages March 13, 2025.
Source PDFs
USCOURTS-cofc-1_22-vv-01305