Teresa Landrum v. HHS - Influenza, mast cell activation syndrome and alleged aggravation of multiple inflammatory/neuropathic conditions (2025)

On September 28, 2018, Teresa Landrum filed a claim in the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging that an influenza vaccine administered on October 27, 2015, caused her to develop Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) and significantly aggravate several other conditions, including arthritis, polyneuropathy, urticaria, and anaphylaxis. The Special Master reviewed extensive medical records and expert opinions.

Petitioner's experts, Dr. Jonathan Bernstein and Dr.

Omid Akbari, argued that the flu vaccine triggered her underlying hereditary alpha-tryptasemia (HαT) and MCAS. Dr.

Bernstein opined that the vaccine magnified her pre-existing HαT, leading to immediate symptoms and subsequent health issues. Dr.

Akbari suggested that vaccines, including the flu vaccine, can activate mast cells and lead to MCAS through inflammasome pathways, causing both immediate and delayed reactions. Respondent's experts, Dr.

Soman Abraham and Dr. Chester Oddis, contended that while an immediate reaction to the vaccine was possible, the subsequent, long-term symptoms were more likely due to her pre-existing HαT condition, which had a history of similar symptoms predating the vaccination.

Dr. Abraham noted that the petitioner's symptoms were consistent with MCAS and HαT, but argued the flu vaccine acted as an environmental trigger for a pre-existing genetic susceptibility, and her later hospitalizations were unrelated to the vaccine.

Dr. Oddis emphasized that many of the petitioner's symptoms, such as syncope, flushing, and gastrointestinal issues, were documented months and years before the vaccination and continued afterward, consistent with HαT.

The Special Master found that the petitioner failed to establish a sound medical theory connecting the flu vaccine to the progressive nature of her symptoms beyond the initial reaction. The medical records indicated that many of her symptoms, including gastrointestinal issues and urticaria, were present before the vaccination and continued afterward, aligning with her HαT diagnosis.

The Special Master concluded that the petitioner did not prove by a preponderance of the evidence that the flu vaccine caused or significantly aggravated her conditions, leading to the dismissal of her petition. Petitioner was represented by Phyllis Widman of Widman Law Firm, LLC, and respondent was represented by Alec Saxe of the U.S.

Department of Justice. The decision was issued by Special Master Thomas L.

Gowen on December 9, 2025.