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

Ann Heiden filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on August 27, 2024, alleging she suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) as a result of an influenza vaccine administered on October 10, 2022. The respondent argued that the medical records did not preponderantly establish the alleged injury began within 48 hours of vaccination, as required for a Table SIRVA claim.

The decision focuses on the onset of Petitioner's shoulder pain. Petitioner reported left upper arm pain starting on October 11, 2022, the day after her flu shot, which progressed to sharp stabbing pain.

She sought treatment approximately nine weeks later, reporting pain onset the day after vaccination. Subsequent medical records consistently corroborated this timeline, with multiple providers noting the injury began shortly after the October 10, 2022 vaccination.

The court found that Petitioner provided preponderant evidence that the onset of her shoulder pain occurred within 48 hours of vaccination. The case is proceeding to damages, with the court noting that the injury appears moderate and likely warrants a modest award.

The respondent is to file a status report by May 11, 2026.