Kendra Iannotti v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barre Syndrome (2017)

Kendra Iannotti filed a petition on March 16, 2017, alleging that the influenza vaccine she received on August 19, 2011, caused Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS). Initially pro se, she obtained counsel who later withdrew.

Petitioner then resumed pro se status and faced repeated orders to file missing medical records and a statement of completion, which she struggled to provide. Respondent contested entitlement, arguing insufficient proof of vaccine injury, a lack of reliable medical theory, and that her complaints were more likely due to pre-existing diabetes.

The court ordered Petitioner to file an expert report, but she submitted only a short letter from her endocrinologist, which was deemed insufficient. Despite indications of finding new counsel and settlement negotiations, the case remained stalled.

Respondent filed an expert report, and Petitioner requested a supplemental report, but failed to file it by the court-ordered deadline and did not respond to an order to show cause. The court dismissed the case for insufficient proof, noting the lack of evidence for a Table Injury or a medically supported causal link between the vaccine and her alleged GBS, and for failure to prosecute due to repeated non-compliance with court orders.