Patricia Cotton v. HHS - Tdap, shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (2025)

Patricia Cotton filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on April 12, 2024, alleging that she suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) resulting from a Tdap vaccine received on May 24, 2022. She stated the vaccine was administered in the United States, she experienced residual effects for more than six months, and had no prior award or settlement for this injury.

Respondent denied that Ms. Cotton sustained a SIRVA Table injury or that the vaccine caused her alleged shoulder injury.

Despite these positions, the parties filed a joint stipulation agreeing that a decision should be entered awarding compensation. The court adopted the stipulation as its decision, awarding Ms.

Cotton a lump sum of $25,000.00 for all items of damages. This amount represents a settlement of liability and damages claimed under the Vaccine Act.