A.M.I. v. HHS - HPV, ulcerative colitis (2019)

A.M.I. filed a petition alleging that HPV vaccinations received on January 16, 2014, April 3, 2014, and August 11, 2014, caused her to develop ulcerative colitis. The petition was filed on September 3, 2019.

During a status conference, the court reviewed case law regarding the statute of limitations and equitable tolling. It was noted that the claim related to the 2014 vaccinations was time-barred, but there was a potential claim for significant aggravation of ulcerative colitis by a second series of HPV vaccinations received in 2016, if flares could be linked to those vaccines.

On August 5, 2019, the petitioner was notified that the statutory 240-day period for a decision had expired. On September 3, 2019, A.M.I. withdrew her petition pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-21(b), electing to file a civil action.

The court granted the withdrawal, concluding proceedings on the merits but stating no judgment on the merits should be entered.