Christina Molnar v. HHS - Influenza, shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2026)

Christina Molnar filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on May 7, 2024, alleging she suffered a Table shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) from an influenza vaccine received on October 4, 2021. The parties disputed whether her symptoms were limited to the vaccinated shoulder.

The medical records indicated pain in the left shoulder, radiating to the neck, elbow, and wrist, with diagnoses including left shoulder pain, biceps tendonitis, and rotator cuff tendinosis. The respondent argued that the radiation of pain outside the shoulder disqualified the claim as a SIRVA.

However, the Chief Special Master found that the evidence predominantly supported shoulder-related pathology and treatment, consistent with SIRVA criteria, even with incidental complaints of radiating pain. The decision granted entitlement for SIRVA, pending further proceedings for damages.

The parties were encouraged to attempt settlement and to file a joint status report by June 15, 2026.