Joanne Duitsman v. HHS - Pneumococcal, shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2025)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
On October 16, 2024, Joanne Duitsman filed a petition alleging that a pneumonia vaccine administered on May 19, 2023 caused a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration. The vaccine record identified the product as Pfizer's pneumococcal 20-valent conjugate vaccine, Prevnar 20.
Respondent conceded entitlement in a July 11, 2025 Rule 4(c) report, stating that Ms. Duitsman's alleged injury was consistent with SIRVA as defined by the Vaccine Injury Table.
Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran found entitlement that day.
The public rulings do not set out a detailed medical timeline. On September 8, 2025, the Chief Special Master adopted respondent's proffer and awarded $67,500.00 for pain and suffering, payable through counsel's IOLTA account.
A later fee decision concerned attorneys' fees and costs only.
Theory of causation
Prevnar 20 pneumococcal 20-valent conjugate vaccine May 19, 2023 causing SIRVA; adult, exact age not stated. ENTITLEMENT CONCEDED; COMPENSATED. Public rulings lack detailed clinical chronology. Award $67,500 pain/suffering. Chief SM Brian H. Corcoran; petition October 16, 2024; damages September 8, 2025.
Source PDFs
USCOURTS-cofc-1_24-vv-01669