Jaime Sanchez v. HHS - Influenza, migraine headaches (2017)

Jaime Sanchez filed a petition on August 31, 2017, alleging that an influenza vaccine he received on January 6, 2014, caused him to develop migraine headaches and cold-like symptoms. The petitioner, an adult with a history of chronic low back pain, hypertension, hepatitis C, gout, and hyperglycemia, received the flu vaccine during a visit for pain medication refills.

He reported experiencing headaches and congestion after the vaccination, which he believed were caused by the flu shot. Medical records documented his ongoing complaints of headaches, with various physicians diagnosing tension headaches and possibly migraines.

However, the medical records did not contain a medical opinion or scientific evidence establishing a causal link between the flu vaccine and his chronic headaches. The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, did not contest the petitioner's allegations.

On September 25, 2017, the Special Master granted the petitioner's motion to dismiss, finding that the petitioner failed to establish a prima facie case of causation in fact due to the lack of supporting medical records or expert opinion linking the vaccine to his condition. The case was dismissed.