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

Sarah Horvat filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program alleging a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) resulting from an influenza vaccine she received on September 27, 2021. She stated that the vaccine was administered in the United States, she experienced residual effects of her injury for more than six months, and she had never received prior compensation for vaccine-related injuries.

The respondent conceded that Ms. Horvat was entitled to compensation, agreeing that her injury was consistent with SIRVA as defined by the Vaccine Injury Table.

Specifically, the respondent noted that she had no prior shoulder issues, the pain occurred within 48 hours of vaccination, the pain and reduced range of motion were limited to the injection site, and no other condition explained her symptoms. The respondent also agreed that she suffered residual effects for more than six months and met all legal prerequisites for compensation.

Following the ruling on entitlement, the parties stipulated to an award of damages. The court awarded Ms.

Horvat a lump sum payment of $144,000.00 for pain and suffering.