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

On May 13, 2024, Joan Western filed a petition alleging that an influenza vaccination administered in her left arm on October 31, 2022 caused a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration. The stipulation also referenced a COVID-19 vaccination given the same day and later flu and COVID booster vaccinations on November 28, 2023; the COVID-related releases were outside the Vaccine Program.

The public stipulation provides limited clinical detail. It states that Ms.

Western alleged a SIRVA lasting longer than six months. Respondent denied that she suffered a Table SIRVA, denied that the flu vaccine caused any shoulder injury or other injury, and denied vaccine-related sequelae.

On August 20, 2025, Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran adopted the parties' stipulation and awarded Ms.

Western $8,500.00 in a lump sum, payable by ACH deposit to counsel's IOLTA account for prompt disbursement. Ms.

Western was represented by Jubaile Abila of Groth Law.