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

On September 23, 2022, Kathleen Kadlec filed a petition alleging a left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration after receiving an influenza vaccine on October 9, 2019. She was 42 years old at vaccination.

The vaccine record listed the right deltoid, but Ms. Kadlec consistently told medical providers that the shot had been given in her left shoulder.

At her first documented orthopedic visit on November 20, 2019, she reported left shoulder pain that had persisted for six weeks after a flu shot in the left shoulder, saying the needle felt as though it struck bone. She had pain, reduced range of motion, and intermittent numbness or tingling into the hand.

Providers diagnosed SIRVA, adhesive capsulitis, frozen shoulder, or impingement at different points. A March 2020 MRI showed mild acromioclavicular degenerative changes and trace bursitis, and nerve testing in June 2020 was normal.

Ms. Kadlec tried oral steroids, medication, and physical therapy, but repeatedly declined further steroid injections.

Her shoulder care continued intermittently while she also received care for unrelated urinary, sinus, neck, abdominal, and other complaints. On February 9, 2026, Chief Special Master Brian H.

Corcoran found that the left shoulder was the vaccinated site, that pain began immediately, and that the Table SIRVA requirements were met. Damages had not yet been resolved in the public ruling.

Ms. Kadlec was represented by Leah V.

Durant.