Charita Alexander v. HHS - Influenza, left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2026)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
On June 18, 2025, Charita Alexander filed a petition alleging that an influenza vaccine administered on August 1, 2024 caused a left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration. The entitlement and damages decisions use August 1, 2024 as the vaccination date, although the attached proffer contains a conflicting date.
Respondent conceded entitlement. The Rule 4(c) report stated that Ms.
Alexander had no prior left shoulder pain, inflammation, or dysfunction; that pain began within 48 hours; that pain and reduced range of motion were limited to the vaccinated shoulder; that no other condition explained the symptoms; and that residual effects persisted for more than six months. Chief Special Master Brian H.
Corcoran found entitlement on January 7, 2026. On February 3, 2026, he adopted the parties' proffer and awarded Ms.
Alexander $80,000.00 for pain and suffering. The award was payable through counsel's IOLTA account.
Ms. Alexander was represented by Jonathan Joseph Svitak.
Theory of causation
Influenza vaccine on August 1, 2024 causing left SIRVA; adult self-filed petitioner, exact age not stated; onset within 48 hours. ENTITLEMENT CONCEDED; COMPENSATED. Rule 4(c): no prior left shoulder dysfunction, pain/reduced ROM limited to vaccinated shoulder, no alternative condition, residual effects >6 months. Award $80,000 pain and suffering. Chief SM Brian H. Corcoran; petition June 18, 2025; entitlement January 7, 2026; damages February 3, 2026. Attorney Jonathan Joseph Svitak.
Source PDFs
USCOURTS-cofc-1_25-vv-01013