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

On February 7, 2024, Kristine Hare filed a petition alleging that an influenza vaccine administered in her left deltoid at a CVS in Andover, Minnesota on October 28, 2022 caused a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration. She was 64 years old and had no prior left-shoulder pain.

Ms. Hare described the vaccination as rushed: the pharmacy was busy, she was seated while the administrator stood, and she felt immediate sharp pain and a "bubbly" sensation.

Her arm remained sore and worsened, affecting sleeves, reaching, and sleep. She initially tried ibuprofen, YMCA exercise, and home measures, and she later explained that unrelated visits and high-deductible insurance made her delay more expensive care.

On March 20, 2023, she told her primary-care provider that pain persisted at the flu-shot location and wondered whether she had SIRVA. A June 9, 2023 visit documented pain that began shortly after vaccination, radiated toward the shoulder, and limited overhead movement.

MRI that day showed severe adhesive glenohumeral capsulitis, mild degenerative glenohumeral changes with a degenerative superior labral tear, and an intact rotator cuff and deltoid. Orthopedist Dr.

Folsom diagnosed SIRVA, subacromial impingement, and adhesive capsulitis, treated her with a steroid injection, and referred her to physical therapy. She attended therapy from July through December 2023, improving but still reporting pain and deficits with some activity.

Respondent contested entitlement, focusing on the delay before the first medical complaint and arguing that onset within 48 hours was not proven. Chief Special Master Corcoran credited Ms.

Hare's explanation for the gap and the medical records linking her symptoms to the shot. He awarded $35,337.12 on October 31, 2025: $33,000.00 for pain and suffering and $2,337.12 for unreimbursed expenses.