Reshama Shaikh v. HHS - Tdap, Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (2016)

Reshama Shaikh filed a petition on October 3, 2013, alleging that a Tetanus Diptheria acellular-Pertussis (Tdap) vaccination received on October 15, 2010 caused her to develop Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) with residual effects lasting more than six months. The respondent denied that the Tdap vaccination caused or significantly aggravated petitioner's alleged CIDP or any other injury, and further denied that petitioner's current disabilities were the result of a vaccine-related injury.

Despite these denials, both parties agreed to a joint stipulation filed on August 8, 2016, to settle the case. Special Master Thomas L.

Gowen reviewed the stipulation, found it reasonable, and adopted it as the decision of the Court. Petitioner was awarded a lump sum of $500,000.00, representing compensation for all damages available under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a).

The public decision does not describe the specific onset of symptoms, medical tests performed, treatments received, or the names of any medical experts consulted by either party. Petitioner was represented by Lawrence R.

Cohan of Anapol Weiss, and respondent was represented by Darryl R. Wishard of the United States Department of Justice.