Edward McCall v. HHS - Influenza, rheumatoid arthritis (2022)

Petitioner Edward McCall alleged that the influenza vaccine received on January 18, 2017, caused rheumatoid arthritis. Petitioner's expert, Dr. Thomas Zizic, opined that the vaccine triggered rheumatoid arthritis within approximately two months via molecular mimicry, cross-priming, immune complex formation, or a combination thereof, stating eight weeks was an appropriate, albeit outer-edge, onset interval. Respondent's experts, Dr. Chester Oddis, Dr. J. Lindsay Whitton, and Dr. Lawrence Moulton, contested this theory. They argued that Dr. Zizic's timing was theoretical, lacked medical literature support, and that Mr. McCall's symptom onset was approximately 15 weeks post-vaccination, exceeding appropriate temporal intervals. Respondent's experts also noted that experts recommend vaccinations for rheumatoid arthritis patients and that large epidemiological studies have not shown an increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis following the flu vaccine. The Special Master referenced the prior decision in Tullio v. Secretary of Health & Human Services, which found the flu vaccine could not cause rheumatoid arthritis, noting similarities in the molecular mimicry theory presented. The Special Master found that Mr. McCall's evidence regarding causation and the timing of symptom onset was insufficient to meet the preponderance of the evidence standard. The case was dismissed with prejudice for insufficient proof. Petitioner's counsel was Andrew D. Downing, and respondent's counsel was Kyle E. Pozza. Special Master Christian J. Moran issued the decision on May 11, 2022.