Alvin Thomas III v. HHS - Influenza, shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2025)

Alvin Thomas III filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program alleging he suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) as a result of an influenza vaccination received on November 5, 2022. The petition stated that he suffered residual effects of the injury for more than six months and that no prior award or settlement had been made on his behalf.

The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, filed a Rule 4(c) report conceding that the petitioner was entitled to compensation. The respondent concluded that the petitioner's injury was consistent with a SIRVA as defined by the Vaccine Injury Table and that all other legal requirements for compensation had been met.

Following the ruling on entitlement, the respondent filed a proffer on the award of compensation, recommending an award of $62,500.00 for pain and suffering, which the petitioner agreed to. The Chief Special Master issued a decision awarding Alvin Thomas III a lump sum payment of $62,500.00 for all damages available under the Act.