Tasha Loyd v. HHS - Pneumococcal, immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) (2021)

On July 8, 2016, Tasha Loyd, as parent and next friend of C.L., a minor, filed a petition alleging that C.L. developed immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) caused by the Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib) and/or pneumococcal conjugate (Prevnar) vaccines administered on August 30, 2013. C.L. was born on January 25, 2013.

Petitioner contended that C.L.'s ITP began in September 2013, approximately two weeks after vaccination, and that the Prevnar vaccine was the cause. Respondent argued that C.L.'s ITP likely began in May 2014, approximately nine months after vaccination, and was unrelated to the vaccines.

The Special Master found that the onset of C.L.'s chronic ITP most likely occurred in May 2014, based on medical records showing normal platelet counts in February 2014 and the first documented evidence of ITP symptoms in June 2014. This late onset, nearly nine months after vaccination, was deemed too long to establish a causal link under the Althen prongs.

Furthermore, the Special Master found that Petitioner failed to establish a logical sequence of cause and effect and that the evidence did not preponderantly support that the Prevnar vaccine can cause ITP, particularly chronic ITP. The petition was denied entitlement to compensation.

Petitioner's counsel was Richard Gage. Respondent's counsel was Mary E.

Holmes. The decision was issued by Chief Special Master Brian H.

Corcoran.