Valerie Amundsen v. HHS - Tdap, shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2025)

Valerie Amundsen filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program alleging she suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) from a Tdap vaccine received on June 2, 2022. She stated that the vaccine was administered in the United States, her injury lasted more than six months, and she had not previously filed a claim for this vaccination.

The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, filed a Rule 4(c) report conceding that Amundsen was entitled to compensation. The respondent agreed that her injury was consistent with SIRVA as defined by the Vaccine Injury Table, noting that she had no prior shoulder issues, the pain occurred within 48 hours of vaccination, and the pain and reduced range of motion were limited to the injection shoulder.

The respondent also confirmed she met the other legal prerequisites for compensation. Based on the respondent's concession and the evidence, the Chief Special Master issued a ruling on entitlement, finding Amundsen entitled to compensation.

Subsequently, a decision awarding damages was issued. The respondent proffered an award of $160,998.88, which included $160,000.00 for pain and suffering and $998.88 for past unreimbursable expenses.

Amundsen agreed with this proffered award. The court awarded her the lump sum of $160,998.88, representing compensation for all damages available under the Act.