Marie Altema v. HHS - Influenza, Transverse Myelitis (2020)

Marie Altema filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on September 18, 2017, alleging that the influenza vaccine she received on October 29, 2015, caused her to develop Transverse Myelitis (TM). She further alleged that she experienced residual effects from the injury for more than six months.

The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the flu vaccine caused her TM or any other injury. However, the parties reached a stipulation for an award.

The Special Master found the stipulation reasonable and adopted it as the decision of the Court. Marie Altema was awarded $200,000.00 as compensation for all damages available under the program.

The decision was entered on January 24, 2020, with judgment to be entered in accordance with the stipulation. The public decision does not describe the onset of symptoms, specific medical tests, treatments, or the mechanism of injury.

Petitioner was represented by Isaiah Richard Kalinowski of Maglio, Christopher & Toale, and Respondent was represented by Debra A. Filteau Begley of the United States Department of Justice.

Special Master Herbrina Sanders issued the decision.