Kelly Tavano v. HHS - Influenza, transverse myelitis (2017)

Kelly Tavano filed a petition for vaccine compensation on October 15, 2015, alleging that the influenza vaccine she received on November 20, 2013, caused her to develop transverse myelitis (TM). She further alleged that she experienced residual effects from this injury for more than six months.

The influenza vaccine is listed on the Vaccine Injury Table, and Ms. Tavano claimed her case qualified as a Table injury.

Respondent denied that the flu vaccine caused her TM or any other injury. Despite this disagreement, the parties reached a joint stipulation to settle the case.

The stipulation was adopted by the Special Master on May 22, 2017. Under the terms of the stipulation, Ms.

Tavano was awarded a lump sum payment of $224,073.82, which covered first-year life-care expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and past unreimbursable expenses. Additionally, an amount was awarded to purchase an annuity for future expenses.

This settlement resolved all claims related to the alleged injury from the flu vaccination.