Derek Grace v. HHS - Influenza, IgA vasculitis or Henoch-Schonlein purpura (2024)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
On May 29, 2018, Derek Grace filed a petition alleging that an influenza vaccination administered on November 9, 2016 caused IgA vasculitis, also known as Henoch-Schonlein purpura. He was 48 years old when vaccinated.
Within hours, he developed a rash, followed by joint, muscle, and abdominal pain. He was hospitalized and treated with prednisone.
Because IgA vasculitis is not a Table injury for influenza vaccine, Mr. Grace had to prove causation in fact.
His expert, rheumatologist Dr. Lindsay Lally, proposed that the vaccine triggered bystander activation and overproduction of IgA, leading to vasculitis.
Respondent's expert, immunologist Dr. Mehrdad Matloubian, challenged the theory, the timing, and the scientific evidence connecting influenza vaccine to IgA vasculitis.
The record also included discussion of Mr. Grace's psoriasis and treatment with adalimumab/Humira, although respondent's expert did not identify a definitive alternative cause.
Special Master Daniel T. Horner concluded that Mr.
Grace had not met the Althen standard. He found the proposed mechanism insufficiently supported, the temporal relationship problematic, and the treating records lacking an attribution to vaccination.
The petition was dismissed for insufficient proof on May 28, 2024, and no compensation was awarded.