Lisa Bakke v. HHS - Influenza, left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2025)

On June 23, 2023, Lisa Bakke filed a petition alleging a left shoulder SIRVA after an influenza vaccination on December 4, 2020. The public proffer identified her as a competent adult.

Early public filings used initials because the factual ruling was redacted before later public release. Ms.

Bakke reported immediate intense shoulder pain after the shot. She did not seek formal treatment until February 2021, when she told her primary-care physician that left shoulder pain and range-of-motion trouble had persisted since the flu shot.

A steroid injection gave limited relief. By March 2021, her PCP documented SIRVA and frozen shoulder, and Ms.

Bakke reported worsening stiffness that interfered with sleep, washing her hair, doing dishes, typing, and ordinary movement. Physical therapy in April 2021 recorded pain up to 7 out of 10, limited motion, guarding, tenderness, and difficulty with activities such as hair care, kayaking, and dishes.

Respondent initially contested the six-month severity requirement because formal treatment ended in spring 2021 and there was a long gap before later reports. Chief Special Master Brian H.

Corcoran credited Ms. Bakke's explanation that anxiety, other medical concerns, and self-management contributed to the gap, while the April therapy findings and expected ongoing treatment supported symptoms beyond six months.

Later records described adaptation rather than complete recovery, including ongoing cold-weather stiffness, pinching, and difficulty with household tasks and kayaking. After fact findings and an entitlement ruling, the parties resolved damages.

On September 23, 2025, Chief Special Master Corcoran awarded $35,513.83, consisting of $35,000.00 for pain and suffering and $513.83 for unreimbursed expenses. Ms.

Bakke was represented by Jonathan Joseph Svitak of Shannon Law Group, P.C.