Renee Rini v. HHS - Pneumococcal, shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2024)

Renee Rini filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program alleging a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) from a pneumococcal vaccine received on March 22, 2022. She claimed the injury resulted in residual effects lasting more than six months.

The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, filed a Rule 4(c) report conceding that the petitioner's injury was consistent with SIRVA as defined by the Vaccine Injury Table. The respondent confirmed that Rini had no prior shoulder issues, experienced pain within 48 hours of vaccination, and the pain was localized to the injection site, with no other identified cause.

Based on the respondent's concession and the evidence, the Chief Special Master issued a ruling on entitlement, finding Rini entitled to compensation. Subsequently, a decision awarding damages was issued.

The respondent proffered an award of $65,000.00 for pain and suffering and $808.62 for past unreimbursable expenses, totaling $65,808.62. Rini agreed with this proffered award.

The court awarded Rini a lump sum payment of $65,808.62.