Danielle Spiller v. HHS - Influenza, shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2025)

On December 30, 2022, Danielle Spiller filed a petition under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging that she suffered a Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA) from an influenza vaccine received on October 30, 2021. Petitioner, a 43-year-old preschool teacher and mother, received the vaccine in her left deltoid.

She reported that within 48 hours of vaccination, she developed left shoulder pain and a limited range of motion. Her initial medical encounter for this complaint was approximately 30 days later, on November 29, 2021, with a sports medicine physician.

At that time, she reported pain rated 3-4 out of 10, pain with lying on the shoulder, and inability to raise her arm above 90 degrees. An x-ray was unremarkable, and she was diagnosed with acute pain, bursitis, synovitis, impingement syndrome, and tendinitis.

She was prescribed Meloxicam and encouraged to attend physical therapy. Her condition persisted, and on December 13, 2021, she received a steroid injection into the subacromial bursa.

By January 4, 2022, her pain had worsened to 10/10, and the steroid injection had provided no relief. She was prescribed prednisone and given home exercises.

On February 3, 2022, after continued pain despite treatment, an MRI revealed a small foci of bone edema and mild undersurface tearing of the supraspinatus tendon. She continued to experience significant pain and limited range of motion, with various treatments including NSAIDs and further steroid injections.

In February 2022, an orthopedist diagnosed capsular tightness with potentially secondary impingement/adhesive capsulitis and administered an intraarticular steroid injection, which provided temporary relief. Petitioner attended some physical therapy sessions and continued home exercises.

Medical records from February 2022 through May 2024 documented ongoing pain, restricted range of motion, and limitations in daily activities, although strength generally remained normal. Petitioner testified that her pain and limitations have persisted, impacting her ability to care for her family, work, and sleep.

Her husband and mother corroborated the timeline of her pain onset and ongoing limitations. The Special Master found that Petitioner established by a preponderance of the evidence that her shoulder pain began within 48 hours of vaccination, meeting the Table criteria for SIRVA.

The respondent did not dispute the remaining SIRVA criteria or statutory requirements. The case proceeded to damages.

The Special Master awarded Danielle Spiller $75,000.00 for pain and suffering and $2,566.46 for past unreimbursable medical expenses, totaling $77,566.46. The decision was issued by Chief Special Master Brian H.

Corcoran on August 12, 2025. Petitioner was represented by John Beaulieu of Siri & Glimstad, LLP, and Respondent was represented by Felicia Langel of the U.S.

Department of Justice.