Prisca Thomas v. HHS - Tdap, Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA) (2025)

Prisca Thomas filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on March 7, 2025, alleging that she suffered a Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA) as a result of a Tdap vaccine administered on April 22, 2020. The Chief Special Master found that Petitioner is entitled to compensation.

The medical records indicate that Petitioner received the Tdap vaccine in her left deltoid on April 22, 2020. While initial medical visits did not document shoulder pain, a record from July 2, 2020, noted ongoing soreness from the injection.

By September 28, 2020, Petitioner sought treatment for left shoulder pain, reporting it began after her vaccination and affected her ability to carry her baby. An ultrasound revealed bursitis, and she was diagnosed with pain and bursitis in the left shoulder.

Further treatment and imaging continued through December 2023. The court found that the evidence preponderantly supports the conclusion that the onset of her shoulder pain likely began within 48 hours of her vaccination, satisfying the Table requirement.

The court also found sufficient objective and subjective evidence of limited range of motion, citing an MRI report from February 8, 2021, and an examination by an orthopedic specialist on June 21, 2021. The case proceeded as a Table claim for SIRVA.

The court awarded Prisca Thomas $85,085.00, representing $83,000.00 for pain and suffering and $2,085.00 for past unreimbursable expenses.