Aimee Alvarez v. HHS - Tdap, shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2025)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
Aimee Alvarez filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on May 15, 2025, alleging she suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) after receiving a Tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccination on February 10, 2022. The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, filed a Rule 4(c) report conceding that the petitioner is entitled to compensation.
The respondent noted that the petitioner had no prior history of left shoulder issues, experienced pain within 48 hours of vaccination, and that the pain and reduced range of motion were limited to her left shoulder. The respondent also stated that no other condition was identified to explain the pain and that the residual effects lasted more than six months.
Based on the respondent's concession and the evidence of record, Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran found the petitioner entitled to compensation.
The case is proceeding to the damages phase. Petitioner counsel was Ronald C.
Homer. Respondent counsel was Zoe Wade.
Theory of causation
Petitioner Aimee Alvarez received a Tdap vaccination on February 10, 2022. She alleged a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA). The respondent conceded entitlement, noting no prior left shoulder issues, onset of pain within 48 hours of vaccination, pain and reduced range of motion limited to the left shoulder, no other identified condition explaining the pain, and residual effects lasting more than six months. The Special Master found entitlement based on the concession and evidence. The theory of causation falls under the Vaccine Injury Table. Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran issued the ruling on June 30, 2025. Petitioner counsel was Ronald C. Homer, and respondent counsel was Zoe Wade.
Source PDFs
USCOURTS-cofc-1_24-vv-00732